E-2 Visa Defined
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a sub-department of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an E-2 Visa is a means for a "a national of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation) to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business."
Why would a person be interested in a E-2 Visa?
E-2 Visas can be an interesting route to long-term stay in the United States due to the fact that it's relatively straightforward and can result in faster entry. A person starting a business can bring their family. According to the Citizen and Immigration Services website, an E-2 Visa holder may bring their "spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21 years of age". Spouse and children need not be of the same nationality as the Visa holder, and if they are already in the country they may fill a Form I-539 form to apply to convert their status to that of the E-2.
E-2 Visa and Franchising
E-2 Visa applicants often turn to American franchises as a means to solidify their candidacy. A part of the E-2 Visa process is to prove that the applicant will be making an investment of a "substantial amount of capital". The E-2 applicant is often interested in franchising because a franchise comes with a straightforward plan for investment, and the fact that the franchise is established, that there is a training plan in place, and that the enterprise is likely to provide Americans with jobs can be beneficial in being approved.
E-2 Visas from Argentina
Argentinians are able to apply for an E-2 Visa as Argentina and the United States of America have in place a treaty of commerce and navigation, effective since October 20,19941. Argentinians process their application through the U.S. Consulate in Buenos Aires. All applications are submitted electronically. Here are some resources you may find valuable:
- E-Visa Submission Guidelines (from the U.S. Consulate in Buenos Aires)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Address of the U.S. Consulate: Av. Colombia 4300, (C1425GMN), Buenos Aires,Argentina
- Phone Number of the U.S. Consulate: (54-11) 5777-4533
Furthermore, you may seek the advice of an attorney in your quest for an E-2 Visa. Though we do not have experience, these are two law firms that apparently have experience with the E-2 Visa process from Argentina:
Argentinians in America
According to 2010 Census, Florida is home to largest population of Argentinians. Specifically Miami, Miami Beach, Hollywood, Aventura, and Pembroke Pines have large Argentine populations. These cities are predominately in south Florida in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area. Currently, You've Got Maids has multiple opportunities in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area for development.
Interest in E-2 Visas often correlates with distressed economic and political circumstances. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Argentina's economy shrank 4% in Q2 of 20182. With the economy shrinking and their being a negative effect on the Argentine Peso, Argentinians may see this as an opportune time to learn more about the American Dream. Conversely, the U.S. economy has been surging for years. An E-2 Visa is nonpermanent and the Visa holder may very well return to their homeland.
To learn more about franchising with You've Got Maids, follow the link below to our franchising home page and either phone our office and fill out a form. One of our franchise advisors will be happy to answer all of your questions.
