E-2 visa: What are the best industries to start a business in?

We often get the following question from our prospective clients: What type of company should I start/purchase in the US to get my E2 visa approved? Is there a specific type of company or specific industry that USCIS/Consulates like and that has a bigger change for approval?

The answer is: not really. We have had clients starting or purchasing business in about every type industry there is: from restaurants, hair salons, pet grooming salons, e-commerce businesses, jewelry stores, property management companies, consulting companies, law firms, chiropractic offices, architecture and design firms, and many others.

It really does not matter what industry you are starting/purchasing your business in, as long as you can show that you are employing (if buying a business)/or plan to employ (if starting a business) at least 3 full time employees by year 5 of operation, you invest a substantial amount of money in the business, the company is real and operating,  you will develop and direct the business and meet the additional E-2 visa requirements (such as nationality).

If you are buying a business, it’s important to look at the company’s tax returns and the financials of the business and on the past and present hiring practices of the business. For the employees, you would want to show that the company has at least 3 full-time employees and has had employees in the last couple of years. For the financials, the important thing to look for is whether the revenue of the business is increasing (if there was a decrease in a particular year, you should ask the seller for the reason why).