Buying an E-2 VISA Business in Arizona

If you are an entrepreneur looking to make your home in America, purchasing an E-2 visa business is a smart way to go about it. Learn more about your opportunities with an E-2 visa, as well as how Business Brokers of Arizona can help!

 
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What Is An E-2 VISA?

The immigration system is complex, to say the least. At Business Brokers of Arizona, we get it. Here are the basics you’ll need to know as you pursue an E-2 visa.

First, make sure that you are from an eligible treaty country. Not all countries have a treaty of commerce with the United States.

It’s also important to understand that the E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which means it won’t create a path to permanent residency. You also will not be able to enter the U.S. on an E-2 visa with the intent to apply for a green card. If you intend to establish permanent residency or eventually acquire U.S. citizenship, you’ll want to consider other pathways.

You’re able to apply for an E-2 visa both from inside the United States and from your home country. Processing from inside the U.S. usually takes about two months; it may take longer from outside. If time is of the essence, you can pay an additional fee to have your application expedited. 

Once your application is approved, you will need to apply for a social security number. You’ll also be expected to file and pay taxes.

Although the E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, you are welcome to bring your spouse and children under the age of 21 with you to America. They will need to apply for an E-2 dependent visa, and if they are approved, they’ll be able to stay as long as you do. In general, your spouse will be able to use their E-2 dependent status as work authorization.

Lastly, the E-2 visa is valid for up to two years. You can request extensions, which will also be valid for up to two years. There’s no limit on the number of extensions you can request.

 

What Businesses Qualify for E-2 Visa Eligibility?

The good news is that most businesses can qualify for an E-2 visa. Where you invest is generally less important than how you invest. The U.S. government asks that you invest a “substantial” amount of capital, which generally means that it’s enough to ensure your financial commitment and make it more likely you’ll successfully develop the enterprise. As a rule, this means you are the majority or sole owner.

Beyond that, the business needs to be viable and actively operating for profit. Ideally, the business will also be generating sustainable profits and on a growth trajectory. The government also expects you to be involved in the day-to-day operations of your business.Educate & Train Your Employees

A major selling point for potential salon buyers is when the business comes with trained stylists and staff. As a salon owner, you know how loyal your clients are to their stylist, and keeping as many stylists as possible will help the new owner maintain steady business through your current client base. This is a great time to offer continuing education for your stylists and staff. If your team has any weaknesses, focus on those areas.

During the selling process, consider inviting senior stylists and other team leaders to meet with potential buyers. Their input can prove invaluable when it comes to choosing a seller that matches your salon’s culture and gels with the existing staff.

 

Eligible Business Types for an E-2 Visa

Here are a few businesses that will help you meet the government’s substantial investment requirement.

  • Franchises: While this isn’t the same as purchasing an established independent business, it’s often the ideal way to invest in a U.S. enterprise. Franchisors give you a turnkey business model, support, and resources that increase the likelihood that your business will succeed.

  • Restaurants: In general, established restaurants experience stable growth and continued profits. This may also afford you the opportunity to include workers from your home country in your visa application, as you will need to fill both back and front of house positions.

  • Technology Companies: The revenue associated with the tech industry speaks for itself, but another requirement of the E-2 visa is job creation. With a tech company, you have the opportunity to hire a wide range of employees, from sales and marketing to engineering and support.

  • Small businesses: Established small businesses, like cafes and salons, have a loyal customer base that generates recurring sources of revenue. These businesses are viable and sustainable.

 

Why Choose Business Brokers of Arizona to Help You Buy An E-2 Visa Business?

If you’re investing in an E-2 business in the Southwest, look no further than Business Brokers of Arizona. Our experienced team of business brokers has helped numerous E-2 visa seekers purchase qualifying Arizona businesses. We’ll guide you through each step of this process and make your experience as seamless as possible.

Let BBAZ be your partner in purchasing an E-2 business. Give us a call today to get started.

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