America! The land of opportunity! Many successful foreign business owners are choosing to move to America, starting new lives for themselves and their families. Investing in a business franchise is a popular choice. The franchise landscape for immigrants is more complicated due to ever-changing laws, programs, and requirements. Below are currently the two types of options for you.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 Treaty Investor visa grants nationals of a qualifying country temporary stay in the United States in exchange for investment in a U.S. business. To qualify for the visa, investors must:
- Be a national from a qualifying treaty country (A full list of qualifying countries can be found at, www.travel.state.gov.).
- Invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. commercial enterprise, and
- Maintain equity ownership and be in control of the business.
EB-5 Program
Unlike the E-2 visa, the Immigrant Investor Program, more commonly referred to as the EB-5 Program, is a pathway to permanent residency in the United States and eventual U.S. citizenship.
Generally, the EB-5 Program requires a capital investment of $1 million in a new commercial enterprise, $500,000 if the business is in a Targeted Employment Area. An EB-5 applicant must also create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs within two years.
Earlier we mentioned options and American Franchise Consultants will help you explore those options. Remember, AFC’s consultation services are completely free to you. However, you will need additional assistance from an immigration attorney. Their services to you are not free. As we explore your options together, here are the steps we take with you, helping you make educated decisions during the process:
Step 2: Consultation – We discuss your financial & lifestyle dreams.
Step 3: Client Assessment – You complete the online AFC Client Profile Assessment (CPA).
Step 4: Review Results – We review the AFC Client Profile Assessment results with you.
Step 5: Referral – We will refer you to an immigration attorney who specializes in assisting foreign investors.
Step 6: Research – We conduct a franchise search based on the consultation and your CPA results.
Step 7: Review Options – Based on your requirements, we review a number of different franchise options.
Step 8: Franchisor Introduction – You will be introduced to Franchisor(s) who will provide details about their specific offering to you.
Step 9: Discovery Day – Visit corporate headquarters.
Final Step: Independence! You own your own business and have become your own boss!
NEXT STEP? Call us at 423-413-6258 or email us today.
OR, click on the “Start your FREE AFC Client Profile Assessment Here” bar in the lower right-hand corner of this page. Take your assessment test now to get immediate feedback. It only takes about 20 minutes and we will contact you to schedule our first call to discuss your profile, goals, and dreams.
