Aqua

Hi all

Is it possible to purchase a pool business and get a visa to work and live in the US???

ian-mstm

Yes - so long as you're not trying to get a visa as a result of purchasing the pool business.

Ian

Noorah101

Research investment visas.

Rene

Aqua

I guess what I meant to say was this:

I am thinking of purchasing a business in the US that will support a visa. The $1m investment route is not available to me, are their any other ways to make this work? such as owner financing ??

ian-mstm

I believe that for all investment visas, the money must be unsecured, unencumbered, and 100% at risk.

Ian

Pulaski

An E-2 visa potentially works - but it truly is "the visa from hell" - doesn't lead anywhere, gives very little security, and when you sell the business, cease to be involved in the daily operations of the business, or it fails, you must leave the US, so not only is there no defined route to citizenship, or even permanent residence, there isn't even a route to retirement in the US.

Also pool businesses have a notoriously fickle customer base - often leaving in large numbers when they hear the business has been sold, and sometimes poached by an associate of the person selling the business who is given a list of customers to approach and spread gossip about ...... and your business, and your investment, disappears like smoke in the wind.

Ray

You own or buy business (does not get you permanent resident status i.e. no green card)You must be a national of a qualifying Treaty countries. The business must have a minimum value of around $150k (more the better) bearing in mind you will need somewhere to live and with any startup business you will need at least 2 years living money as back up. So a figure of $350k would be a nearer minimum (E-2 visas)

gwensvilla

E2 visas are being approved at investment levels of $70k plus..they look at investment, employees and that the profit/owner benefit is not marginal..though they allow for time for business development
But you will need backup finance of 1 year living expenses..renting property with no credit is one expensive hurdle,they may ask 6mth rent upfront add to that work and private vehicle to buy outright. (If not included in business purchase)Then usual living costs on top..
If you do not have funds to cover yourself for 6mth to a year don't even think about it..
E2 is not for the faint hearted..but totally do able...but remember you must realuse the criteria and that it is a NON immigrant visa..(even tho it isvrenewable )and kids will age out at 21 yrs.

DMECI

Some good insight here - thanks - just wondered how you know about the $70k plus investments being approved (just curious as looking at the e2 route myself for a new start up) thanks

gwensvilla

I personally know 3 successful applicants who got 5 year visas on circa this amount. I also know 2 start ups around this amount..all in the last 24 months..2 of them in the last 8 months and I am following one at the moment on $60k...will update later (their appointment at the embassy in september. They just completed an rfe) and now have appointment.. I am aware of a start up on $35k who got a 2 year visa.
I am an e2 visa and I listen and look out for applications like a hawk..

gwensvilla

I also know atleast 3 in the last year circa $100k to $110k.

gwensvilla

From submission of file to interview is currently 1 month!!! Has been as low as 2 to 3 weeks....not like mine which a few years ago took 13 weeks...

DMECI

Thats really good to know and reassuring as I believe I have a solid business plan and meet all the relevant criteria... but was unsure about the investment amount - so thank you

Aqua

This is interesting, So glad that some one has more insight into the E2 visa criteria.

So what are the basic requirements that need to be met on say a $80K investment?

My business plan revolves around buying a Pool service company and building a retail business on that. We live in Canada and already have a successful online pool retail company plus vehicles we can take across.

forgot to say - I am in the process of setting up an LLC to start an US online business retailing pool and hot tub supplies

ohwottodo

Ugh the E2 visa - I have absolutely nothing good to say about it - the road to nowhere.
You will invest everything you have to stay in the country with nothing in return.
If you have children PLEASE consider this route very carefully.
The children age out at 21 and will have to leave the country.
We have spent the last 11 years on an E2 visa and have always had the constant dread and reminder over our heads that this is not permanent.
The out of the country visa renewals costing around $10 k each time.
I could go on and on and on and on......