E-2 Visa
Who Is the E-2 Visa For?
“The E-2 is more than a visa — it’s your pathway to the U.S. through business ownership.”
Family-Oriented Investors
For families who wish to integrate business, education, and lifestyle—turning investment into a bridge to long-term life in the U.S.
Stable & Strategic Investors
For those who prefer lower-risk, quick-start options such as acquiring an existing business or franchise to enter the U.S. market with confidence.
Professional Managers
For experienced professionals skilled in management and operations, ideal for franchise systems or structured business models.
Small Business Owners
For hands-on entrepreneurs who value control and sustainability, committed to building steady, long-term growth in the U.S.
Professional Guidance for Your E-2 Journey
E-2 Visa Essentials
Applying for an E-2 visa is more than paperwork — it’s a complete investment strategy. At Milestone Consulting Corp., we carefully assess your background to ensure eligibility and help you build a compliant, sustainable U.S. business plan.
Treaty Country Requirement
Applicant must be a citizen of a country that maintains a valid investment treaty with the United States.
Active Enterprise
The investment must be directed toward an active, operating business — not a shell company or passive asset such as real estate or stocks.
Substantial Investment
The business must have sufficient capital to operate successfully, typically ranging from $150,000–$350,000 USD, depending on the industry.
Non-Marginal Enterprise
The business should have the capacity to generate income beyond merely supporting the investor and their family.
Job Creation Potential
The enterprise should demonstrate the potential to create U.S. jobs, such as hiring local employees.
Three E-2 Investment Pathways
E-2 Visa & Business Models
The E-2 visa offers several ways to launch your U.S. business, each with its own scale, structure, and risk profile.
Franchise Investment
U.S. Franchise Pathway
- Typical Investment Range: USD $150,000–$400,000
- Startup Timeline: 6–9 months (brand selection, negotiation, site setup, training)
- Risk Level: Moderate – backed by brand support and proven operations
▲ Our Value
- Curated selection of 300+ U.S. franchise brands
- In-depth FDD and market analysis for informed decision-making
- Guidance through negotiation, financing, and compliance planning
- Access to trusted business resources (contractors, POS, accounting, banking)
▲ Advantages
- Proven business models that minimize startup risk
- Recognized brands with established customer bases
- Ideal for investors with limited U.S. business experience
Business Acquisition
Acquire & Grow in the U.S.
- Typical Investment Range: USD $200,000 – $600,000
- Startup Timeline: 3–6 months (depending on transaction process and due diligence)
- Risk Level: Medium to High – depending on the target company’s financial health
▲ Our Value
- Identify and evaluate suitable businesses or stores for acquisition
- Conduct thorough due diligence covering finance, lease, and licensing
- Draft and review purchase agreements to minimize legal and financial risks
- Provide post-acquisition operational guidance and market repositioning support
▲ Advantages
- Immediate access to existing operations, staff, and customers
- Easier to demonstrate “active enterprise” and “non-marginal” E-2 requirements
- Ideal for applicants prioritizing speed and cash flow
Business Acquisition
Acquire & Grow in the U.S.
- Typical Investment Range: USD $200,000 – $600,000
- Startup Timeline: 3–6 months (depending on transaction process and due diligence)
- Risk Level: Medium to High – depending on the target company’s financial health
▲ Our Value
- Identify and evaluate suitable businesses or stores for acquisition
- Conduct thorough due diligence covering finance, lease, and licensing
- Draft and review purchase agreements to minimize legal and financial risks
- Provide post-acquisition operational guidance and market repositioning support
▲ Advantages
- Immediate access to existing operations, staff, and customers
- Easier to demonstrate “active enterprise” and “non-marginal” E-2 requirements
- Ideal for applicants prioritizing speed and cash flow
Startup
Build Your Own Brand
- Typical Investment Range: USD $100,000 – $300,000+
- Startup Timeline: 9–12 months (from business planning to full launch)
- Risk Level: Higher – requires market validation and brand establishment
▲ Our Value
- Conduct market research and location analysis
- Develop business plans and financial models
- Set up company formation and operating systems (SOPs)
- Build brand strategies and marketing plans
▲ Advantages
- Full ownership and creative control of your brand
- Ability to leverage personal expertise or family business strengths
We help you balance family and business goals through professional planning and risk management — creating the E-2 investment strategy that fits you best.
Professional Consultant
Why Choose Us?
At Milestone Consulting Corp., we combine data-driven insights, professional experience, and local expertise to guide you through the U.S. investment and immigration journey — helping you make confident, well-informed decisions.
Proven Results. Real Impact.
Client Success Stories
"Every client’s success is the true measure of our value."
Case 1｜Restaurant Franchise
- EIndustry: Fast Casual Dining
- ECity: Los Angeles, California
- EInvestment Range: USD $250,000 – $300,000
- EStartup Timeline: 8 months
- EKey Turning Point: When facing high-rent areas, we helped the client reassess locations and secure a site with 15% lower rent and stable traffic.
- ECurrent Status: Average monthly revenue: USD $48,000; gross margin: 22%.
- EHighlights: Implemented a data-based POS system for sales tracking and customer analysis.
- EPro Tip: Always evaluate lease clauses carefully to avoid hidden rental costs.
Case 2｜Education Franchise
- EIndustry: K–12 After-School Learning Center
- ECity: Los Angeles, California
- EInvestment Range: USD $180,000 – $220,000
- EStartup Timeline: 7 months
- EKey Turning Point: Due to strong competition, we used population and income data to identify a more suitable nearby district.
- ECurrent Status: Achieved 65 students within two years, reaching the break-even point.
- EHighlights: Localized curriculum integrating STEM and bilingual teaching.
- EPro Tip: Ensure compliance with local education regulations to avoid application delays.
Case 3｜Fitness & Wellness Franchise
- EIndustry: Fitness & Physical Therapy Center
- ECity: Houston, Texas
- EInvestment Range: USD $200,000 – $250,000
- EStartup Timeline: 6 months
- EKey Turning Point: Post-pandemic, client faced unstable membership; we introduced a corporate partnership model to boost retention.
- ECurrent Status: Membership base now stable; monthly recurring revenue around USD $35,000.
- EHighlights: Signed partnership agreements with local companies to attract steady members.
- EPro Tip: Review franchise and renewal terms carefully to avoid restrictive contract clauses.
Case 4｜Business Acquisition
- EIndustry: Residential Property Management
- ECity: Dallas, Texas
- EInvestment Range: USD $220,000 – $260,000
- EStartup Timeline: 5 months (including acquisition and transition)
- EKey Turning Point: The previous owner’s financial records were incomplete; we reorganized reports and verified client accounts to prevent disputes.
- ECurrent Status: Management portfolio grew from 110 to 170 units, with monthly revenue up 30%.
- EHighlights: Implemented CRM systems to enhance customer satisfaction.
- EPro Tip: Review all financials and contracts before purchase to minimize inherited risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. Business Visa Planning FAQs
Is there a minimum investment amount for the E-2 visa?
There’s no official fixed threshold, but the investment must be sufficient to support normal business operations. In most cases, it ranges between USD 150,000–350,000.
Can my spouse and children also benefit from the E-2 visa?
Yes. Your spouse can apply for a work permit, and your children can attend U.S. public schools (K–12) tuition-free.
What happens to my visa if the business fails?
If the business ceases operation, you may lose your E-2 status. Choosing a sustainable and compliant business model is therefore essential.
Is acquiring an existing business safer than starting a new one?
Buying an existing business can speed up operations, but risks may remain in financial statements or hidden liabilities, so due diligence is crucial.
Can I later change my E-2 visa to a green card?
The E-2 is a non-immigrant visa and cannot be converted directly to a green card. However, you may later transition through other pathways such as EB-5 or alternative visa categories.
Am I required to hire American employees?
While not mandatory by regulation, your business must demonstrate economic benefit to the U.S., which usually involves hiring local employees or creating job opportunities.
How long does it take before the business can start operating?
On average: Franchise model: about 6–9 months, Business acquisition: about 3–6 months, Startup: about 9–12 months
Comprehensive Support for Every Step of Your Journey
Make your business the start of a new chapter for your family.
Through the E-2 visa, you’re not just investing in a business — you’re building a life of stability, growth, and shared purpose in the U.S.