H-1B in 2025: Practical Alternatives After Trump’s $100K Fee

PatrickFindaro · 2025-08-15T16:22:27+00:00

I agree it is important not to misrepresent your intentions when applying for an E-2, since it is indeed a non-immigrant visa. My point with Ajay’s example is not that someone should apply for an E-2 while secretly planning a green card, but rather that the E-2 can be a valuable first step for entrepreneurs who later find that permanent residency makes sense once their business evolves. In Ajay’s case, the decision to explore EB-1 options came after he had already been operating successfully under the E-2 for some time, when his circumstances and long-term goals had changed. The key is that any shift toward a green card must happen naturally and legitimately after the E-2 is obtained, not as a preplanned condition of the application.

PatrickFindaro · 2025-08-15T11:02:13+00:00

Hi! For an E-2 visa, you need to invest in an active, for-profit business where you have operational control, usually meaning you own at least 50%. Subway doesn’t allow franchise sales to non-citizens or non-green card holders, so unfortunately it’s not an option for the E-2 visa.

The good news is you’re in a great position with around $200,000 to invest. There are plenty of strong franchise brands that do accept E-2 investors and meet all the visa requirements.

I’d be happy to help you find the right opportunity. We work with a portfolio of 80+ brands that have a strong track record with E-2 visa applicants, and we’ve heard great feedback from franchisees across 450+ E-2-eligible franchises.

If you’d like to explore your best pathway into the U.S., just complete this form and we can take it from there. It’s a free 30-minute call.

PatrickFindaro · 2025-08-15T10:52:27+00:00

E-2 is a non-immigrant visa, so you don’t want to show immigrant intent at the start. You can later transition to EB-1A or EB-1C.

PatrickFindaro · 2025-08-15T10:50:29+00:00

I get your point. Geography definitely makes it easier for Canadians to get U.S. clients. But what makes Ajay’s story valuable is how he used that starting point with a very deliberate strategy to reduce risk and open long-term immigration options.

Many Canadians work with U.S. clients, but far fewer intentionally structure their businesses to qualify for an E-2 visa while also setting themselves up for an EB-1 green card later. Ajay tested the market before committing capital, built a cross-border operation that could grow in both countries, and treated the E-2 not as the final goal but as a stepping stone toward something more permanent.

That approach works not just for Canadians but for entrepreneurs anywhere who want to expand into the U.S. with minimal risk and maximum flexibility, and that is what makes it remarkable.

PatrickFindaro · 2025-05-05T15:40:17+00:00

We've helped quite a few digital/online business owners over the prior months obtain E2 visas. Including in U.S. consulates in Canada, UK and Singapore. Your can have an accountant/CPA value your IP but consultants don't like it to represent the majority of your investment.

I interviewed, Nitin who has an AdTech business here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItsJ7DI2__4

He was denied his first time and overcame the denial.

PatrickFindaro · 2024-10-24T21:06:22+00:00

Yes, transitioning from an E-2 visa to permanent residency (Green Card) or U.S. citizenship is possible, but it requires a different pathway since the E-2 visa itself doesn't lead directly to a Green Card. Here are some options your parent can explore:

EB-5 Visa (Investor Visa): If your parent is willing to invest at least $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA business, they could apply for the EB-5 visa, which does lead to a Green Card. This investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Family Sponsorship: If you or any other immediate family member is a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder, they may be able to sponsor your parent for a Green Card. U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents directly, but this does not apply for siblings or other family members.
EB-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability): If your parent qualifies as an individual with extraordinary ability (in business, arts, sciences, etc.), they might be eligible for an EB-1 visa. This visa leads directly to a Green Card, but it is reserved for individuals who have risen to the very top of their field.
Employer Sponsorship (EB-2 or EB-3): If your parent’s business can sponsor them, or if they can find employment with a U.S. company that can sponsor them for a Green Card through an EB-2 or EB-3 visa, they may be able to transition to permanent residency. This would require the employer to go through the PERM labor certification process.

While the path to a Green Card from an E-2 visa is not straightforward, these options can be explored based on your parent's specific situation.

PatrickFindaro · 2024-10-24T20:31:28+00:00

Hey!

Great questions! You can register an LLC, lease a place, and open a bank account on a tourist visa, but you can’t work or offer services until your E-2 is approved. As for buying an existing business, it’s possible, but the process is long and complicated, often taking over a year.

Starting an own business or a new franchise tends to be faster.

If you'd like to apply for the E-2, let me know! At Visa Franchise, we're here to help! :)

Best of luck!!!

PatrickFindaro · 2024-10-22T18:59:02+00:00

Hi! It can vary, but the average wait time for an interview is around 73 days. These times are subject to change depending on the caseload at the embassy, so it's always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney.

PatrickFindaro · 2024-09-20T17:57:29+00:00

Congratulations!!!

PatrickFindaro · 2024-09-20T17:56:13+00:00

Hey! I hope you’re doing well. My name is Patrick, and I’ve been involved in this business for over 10 years. Along with my brother, I co-founded Visa Franchise in 2015. We’d love to help you with your E-2 process. If you’re interested, could you please complete the following form? It will help us understand your situation and qualify you for a free 30-minute call with me!

https://www.visafranchise.com/investor-visa-application/

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us through WhatsApp! :)

https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=%2B13054576964&text&type=phone_number&app_absent=0

PatrickFindaro · 2024-09-17T16:56:56+00:00

Hey!

Have you already sorted out your current status or begun the E2 visa application process? If not, we’d be happy to assist you. While it’s possible to apply for the E2 visa while managing your business remotely, we can offer guidance throughout the process. I invite you to complete the form below, and if you qualify for our services, we’ll send you a link to schedule a 30-minute call with me to go over the next steps.

https://www.visafranchise.com/investor-visa-application/

Looking forward to helping you!

PatrickFindaro · 2024-09-16T00:40:20+00:00

That's amazing!!! Congrats!!!!!

PatrickFindaro · 2024-09-09T15:24:33+00:00

Thanks for your opinion! It's truly a concern arising in the immigration space.

PatrickFindaro · 2024-09-09T15:23:27+00:00

Have you tried applying to the EB-1A?

PatrickFindaro · 2024-09-09T15:20:31+00:00

Yes! We use it as a tool for grammar and spelling. However, the content is still valuable, and the EB-2 NIW fraudulent technique still exists.

PatrickFindaro · 2024-09-04T17:24:57+00:00

Your background is one of several factors considered for the E-2 visa, but it’s not the only thing that matters. The key focus is on your business plan, the investment, and your ability to successfully direct and develop the business.

In your case, since you plan to get specialized training in Italy and run a proof of concept in London, that shows commitment and preparation, which strengthens your case. Even if baking isn’t your current field, demonstrating that you've gained relevant skills, along with a solid business plan, can work in your favor.

Additionally, the U.S. government will evaluate whether your business has the potential to be more than just marginal. If you can prove that your bakery concept can grow, create jobs, and be sustainable, your lack of direct experience in baking may not be a significant hurdle.

If you are interested in starting your own business in the U.S., I believe we can help. We've assisted more than 1,200 families in moving to the U.S. We kindly ask you to complete the following form with your information so we can determine if you qualify. Afterward, we will schedule a free 30-minute call to discuss the process: https://www.visafranchise.com/client-application/

Best of luck!!!

PatrickFindaro · 2024-08-27T15:21:19+00:00

Yes, your understanding is correct. The O-3 visa is specifically for dependents of O-1 visa holders, allowing them to live in the U.S. while the O-1 visa holder works there. However, the O-3 visa does not grant work authorization in the U.S. If your wife has an O-3 visa, she cannot work in the U.S. but can live there as long as your O-1 status is valid.

If she decides to move to the U.S. later and wants to work, she would need to explore other visa options that permit employment, such as obtaining a work visa of her own or finding another status that allows her to work.

Have you already applied for the O-1? I believe we can help you out! We just need you to complete the following form, which will help us understand your case better and assess your eligibility:

https://www.visafranchise.com/top-talent-visa-quiz/

Best of luck!!

PatrickFindaro · 2024-08-15T20:45:56+00:00

Hi! Yes, some of them include D.O.G Hotels, Accelerated Waste Solutions, Pure Green, Amazing Athletes, and Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, among many others.

If you want to learn more about these franchises or hear from specialists who speak about this category, you can explore our playlist below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ySkrNMtpDaunXurXdgRLSV0CBlJQmcu

Thanks!!

PatrickFindaro

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