Savvy business men and women from all over the world immigrate to the United States with the goal of establishing their own business on American soil. In order to do this however, it is first necessary to obtain an E2 visa (or Canadian Investor Visa) through the Department of Immigration, which is not always an easy task.
To qualify for an E2 franchise visa, the applicant must demonstrate that they have the ability both to create and maintain jobs for Americans. And it’s ultimately up to a government employee – possibly with no business experience himself – to make a judgement call on whether or not they believe the business will be successful. In other words, a foreign investor could have an amazing business idea, but if the business model is unproven, there is a good chance that their visa will not be approved.
Because of this fact, investing in a franchise is appealing to many immigrants who are looking to come to the U.S. With a proven business model and track record for success, the applicant stands a much better chance of being accepted. Once accepted, the visa is good for five years with unlimited renewals. As long as the individual is keeping others employed through their business, their visa can be renewed.
Which franchise is the best choice for foreign nationals?
One can travel just about anywhere in the world and find people who are familiar with huge mega-franchises like McDonalds. But the U.S is full of many wonderful and profitable smaller franchises that even many Americans haven’t even heard of. Such franchises typically require smaller investments, and because they are less well-known, there is less competition to get into them. This provides an ideal opportunity for those looking move to the U.S on an E2 visa.
How do foreign nationals choose a franchise?
Just like a new immigrant might rely on a native professional to assist them with their immigration papers, finding housing, enrolling their kids in school, etc. it is a good idea to work with a company like FranNet to select the right franchise.
At FranNet, our brokers will get to know the individual and assess important factors like skills and experience and their long term goals and match them up with franchisors that fit the right profile. These brokers can assist with every step of the franchise application process at no cost to the applicant.
*(And searching for unique, established and proftibale opportunities on the BizON Marketplace).
Franchising just makes sense for the E2 visa holder
In addition to the obvious benefits of easier acceptance, franchising offers several other benefits to the new immigrant. As a newcomer, the individual may not be aware of local business legislation or for that matter how to effectively market to a U.S. audience. When they invest in a franchise however, they are investing in an entire network of training and support as they take their first steps into the American business world.
Signing a franchise agreement is also a prime opportunity for the foreign national to choose where they wish to live, since they can select a franchise that is looking to expand into their region of choice, whether that be in sunny California or amongst the city lights of Manhattan or anywhere in between. FranNet can work with them to find suitable franchisors in their area of choice.
For those looking to invest in a U.S. franchise, it is important that work with a reputable franchise broker and a qualified immigration attorney, both to ensure that they select the right franchise and to structure the purchase and set up the business in a way that will qualify you for the E-2 visa.
For questions about franchises please e-mail: johnarmstrong@frannet.com
For any immigration questions, plase e-mail: smaggi@smalawyers.com
To view the original article please click here.
The Desk of BizON 
Leave a comment