Oleg S., 42, a businessman from Kiev. Owner of a company selling used cars from the USA. He applied for an E-2 business visa.

Oleg is often in the States on business and wants to apply for a business visa. The client was attracted by the cost of the E-2. (There is no minimum fixed amount, but it is often enough to invest 100 - 150 thousand dollars).

During the conversation we noticed that under the terms of the visa its holder does not just open a business project in the USA. He is personally actively engaged in it, spending time mainly in the States. Oleg was not satisfied with this option. Business in Kiev required his frequent presence.

What to do, would the client have to give up his idea?

 - They suggested another course of action, which eventually suited everyone.

Oleg had a family: his wife Eugenia and an eight-year-old daughter. Eugenia has her own business: she sells equipment for beauty salons. Often accompanied her husband on trips to the USA, she has established commercial contacts in this country.

These facts allowed us to make the following proposal: E-2 visa will be issued to Eugenia. Using her experience and connections, she could successfully develop in the U.S. business she is accustomed to. And Oleg, in his turn, gets an opportunity to visit the USA in a convenient mode.

Main stages of work on the case

1. The necessary package of documents was collected, their initial verification was carried out.
2. Forwarded a signed Power of Attorney for a US lawyer to the US Consulate.
3. We organised an online consultation between Eugenia and the lawyer. During the conversation, in particular, the form of investment (starting a new business) was discussed, as well as the state where Eugenia planned to register her company. The lawyer made the case that it was important to factor in business taxes (they are different in each state). Florida came up. Taxes are lower than in most states in the country, and Eugenia had business acquaintances there.

Over the next two months, Eugenia with our help:

1. developed a convincing business plan that would satisfy the consular officer at the interview;
2. started launching her new business in the U.S. remotely, with real investment actions;
3. collected documents on financial solvency.

Eugenia had a tourist visa. She travelled to the USA using it, where the client was accompanied by a lawyer with whom we signed a Cooperation Agreement.

Eugenia spent a month and a half in Orlando (Florida). With legal support, she obtained a TIN, opened a bank account and registered her company with the Secretary of the State of Florida. Also some concrete steps were made to open an office (selling equipment for beauty salons)

Upon her return from the USA, Eugenia had an interview with an immigration official at the Consulate and submitted the original documents.

Three weeks later she received a positive response from USCIS. The whole work on the case took about 5 months.

Work result

Eugenia obtained an E-2 visa to the United States. Oleg also formalised this status as a family member of the principal applicant.