By Maud Poudat | US Immigration Attorney
Posted: March 4, 2016
When we talk about E2 investment visa, people usually think about either buying an existing business, or creating a new one. But there is also an option that is somewhat in between, the franchise.
A franchise is the right or license granted by a company to market its products or services in a specific territory.
When you buy a franchise, you have to meet the requirements for an investment visa, which means that your investment must be substantial and consistent with the business considered. The adequacy of the investment will take several aspects into account, such as location and type of activity. Aside from the investment itself, you should prove that you will have an active role in the management of the company and will create a minimum of 2 to 3 jobs for U.S. citizens or other qualified residents.
Though you still have to proceed with the legal creation of a company, the administrative procedures will usually be less demanding than if you create your business from scratch.
The franchise remains a very good option for people who are willing to invest in a business, but do not have a specific activity in mind, or significant business experience. It is also a comforting option in that you will be able to seek advice and guidance from the owner of the franchise in your daily management of the company.
Of course, we strongly recommend that you talk about this option with a Board Certified immigration attorney as well as with a professional business broker, to evaluate the kind of investment that suits you the best!
Suzanne Vazquez and Maud Poudat, are both Board certified as experts in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Florida Bar. They are very experienced and have helped many clients in the past. Our legal team also includes a Hispanic immigration attorney who can also help you in Spanish and in French. Call our Immigration Law Firm today during office hours at (407) 674-6968 and we will be glad to help you. If you have an emergency after office hours please call us at (407) 925-2554 and we will contact you shortly. You may also fill in the online form provided in this page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.