E-2 Visa
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a sub-department of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, defines a E-2 Visa as 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."
E-2 Visa Value
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 with an E-2 Visa may bring along their family members. The Citizen and Immigration Services website states that a E-2 Visa holder may bring with them their "spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21 years of age". Their 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 franchise opportunities as an efficient method to streamline their candidacy. One part of the E-2 Visa process is to solidify that the applicant will be investing a "substantial amount of capital". E-2 applicants are often interested in franchising because a franchise comes with a plan for investment. The fact that the franchise is established, that there is an established training plan, and that the business is likely to provide American jobs could be helpful in getting approved.
E-2 Visas from Pakistan
Pakistanis are able to apply for an E-2 Visa as Pakistan and the United States of America have in place a treaty of commerce and navigation, effective since February 12, 19611. The U.S. Consulate is in Islamabad. Their address is Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, US Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan. Their phone number is (92 21) 3527-5000.
Furthermore, you may seek the advice of an attorney in your quest for an E-2 Visa. There are several attorneys in Pakistan who may be able to assist you in your journey.
Pakistanis in America
According to the U.S. Census Bureau1 over half a million Americans are of Pakistani heritage. A full quarter of Pakistanis coming to America go to the New York City metropolitan area. Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston, and Dallas area also areas of significant migration. You've Got Maids has franchise opportunities in all of these markets.
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.
