Think you have to buy an existing American business to get an E-2 visa? Think again.

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from foreign entrepreneurs is that the E-2 visa requires you to purchase an existing business in the United States.

It doesn’t.

You can absolutely start a new U.S. business from scratch and qualify for an E-2 visa.

In fact, that’s what most of my clients do, and I help them to do it.

It can be almost anything, as long as it’s likely to succeed in the U.S. under your leadership—a consulting company, technology business, franchise, professional service, whatever—the list of qualifying businesses is as long as your imagination and skill set can take it.

And there are advantages to starting from scratch and being your own boss. You have more control over the business model, the investment structure, and how your business plan demonstrates that the enterprise will generate more than just enough income to support you and your family.

The important thing is that your investment must be “substantial”—typically at least $100,000—at risk, and committed to a real operating U.S. business.

So if you’ve been thinking about the E-2 visa but assumed you had to buy somebody else’s business, you don’t.

You can build your own American business and dream—and use it as the foundation for your E-2 visa.

I’m Joseph Bovino, U.S. Immigration and business attorney based in the free state of Florida, serving clients worldwide, and specializing in visas for entrepreneurs and investors, including the E-2 visa.

Use the link in my bio to contact me or schedule a video consultation.