I know I should be getting an attorney for this case but here I am seeking your guidance, whatever you can chip in, regarding the possibility of obtaining a U.S. E-2 visa for my business.
Below, I have provided a detailed overview of my current business model, the challenges I face, and my future plans, along with specific questions about qualifying for the E-2 visa.
Apart from all that I explain below the main challenge I face is to get PayPal before getting the E2, as I wont be able to get that without an SSN (for the SSN I need an E2). I might get it with ITIN but I dont seem to find a lot of info about on the internet.
So its basically what comes first, chicken or the egg case for me. The E2 first or should I show the investment first, looks one needs to be there for another to happen case for me.
Since I am starting a new business in the US I doubt they would give me an E2 to set it up on an investment commitment, as funds need to be invested, if it was an established/running business like a franchise, I could have used the escrow option like most people do but thats not the case here.
Overview of My Current Business
I currently operate a website that sells customized products as an individual/sole proprietor in Pakistan, primarily serving customers in the United States (98%). Key aspects of my business include:
Sales and Revenue:
Annual Sales (3-Year Average): Approximately $70,000.
Profit Margin: Around 45% after deducting all costs and taxes.
Operations:
I and market my website through Google Ads and SEO.
Customers fill out a price quote request form on my website for customized products.
Communication is conducted via phone, email, and web chat to finalize price quotes and product mockups.
Once a price quote is approved, I send an invoice for payment.
Upon payment, the production process begins with one of my vendors.
Products are shipped directly to customers from overseas factories.
Challenges Operating from Pakistan
Operating from Pakistan presents significant challenges that limit my business’s growth potential:
1. Payment Processing Issues:
Limited access to international payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
Restrictions on international credit card transactions make it difficult to pay suppliers.
Sending timely payments to vendors is challenging due to restrictions by the State Bank of Pakistan stemming from low U.S. dollar reserves in Pakistan.
2. Marketing Constraints:
Lack of PayPal restricts effective marketing efforts, as many platforms prefer PayPal for transactions.
Pakistani bank cards do not work on PayPal, further limiting opportunities for website promotion.
3. Payment Remittance Issues:
Delays in sending payments to overseas vendors and marketing service providers affect operational efficiency and growth confidence.
4. Time Zone Challenges:
A 9-12 hour time difference causes missed phone calls and chats, resulting in a 10-20% loss of potential sales opportunities.
Future Plans for U.S.-Based Business
If granted an E-2 visa, I plan to:
Invest $50,000–$70,000 into the business:
Form a U.S.-based company (preferably sole member/shareholder)
Establish a commercial office space and acquire necessary equipment (computer, printer, internet, phone).
Hire at least one employee to handle customer inquiries and sales (capable of managing 50 orders/queries monthly).
Open a U.S. bank and integrate payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe for seamless transactions.
Allocate $2,000–$3,000 monthly for digital marketing efforts.
Expand the product line from six variants to ten additional products with multiple variants.
Leverage a physical presence to increase website traffic and customer trust.
Venture into B2B client acquisition and comply with requirements for federal and state government contracts.
Operational Benefits:
Access to a U.S.-based payment gateways for smoother transactions.
Streamline payments to suppliers for timely production and delivery.
Focus on sales, marketing, and growth without payment logistics issues.
Growth Projections:
With these enhancements, I estimate a tenfold increase in revenue.
Questions Regarding E-2 Visa Requirements
Substantial Investment:
Would my proposed investment of $50,000–$70,000 be considered substantial for this business?
Do expenses like company formation, web hosting, office lease, employee payroll, and marketing (e.g., Google Ads, SEO etc) count toward the substantial investment?
How can I demonstrate commitment to ongoing marketing expenses, which will be incurred monthly in the future?
Do I have to make the market investment now upfront or can this money be showed in bank as available for future use ?
Marketing Strategy:
Is it necessary to enter into a fixed contract with a U.S.-based digital marketing agency to demonstrate committed funds at risk?
Can I manage marketing expenses independently, leveraging my expertise? For example:
Can I maintain flexibility in how I allocate marketing funds month-to-month, or must these expenses be pre-committed with a monthly contract with a company to qualify as "funds at risk"?
Operational Requirements Before Visa Approval:
Is it necessary to secure an office lease and hire an employee before applying for the E-2 visa, or can these commitments be made post-approval subject to E2 visa?
(Most Important) Addressing SSN and Payment Processing Challenges:
Since a Social Security Number (SSN) is required to obtain payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, how can I meet operational requirements before securing the E-2 visa?
Are there alternative solutions to overcome this, as a new business should be up and running to qualify for the E2. (maybe a partnership with a US citizen ?)
Conclusion
My ultimate goal is to relocate my business operations to the U.S. to take advantage of resources and infrastructure that enable significant growth. My business aligns with the E-2 visa requirements, as it generates consistent revenue and has a clear growth trajectory. Relocating will allow me to contribute to the U.S. economy through job creation and investment.
Additionally, since all products are customized and made-to-order, I do not hold or need to hold any product inventory, except for samples of past work.
I would greatly appreciate your guidance on whether my business qualifies for the E-2 visa and how best to structure my investment and operational plans to meet the requirements.
Thank you for your time and expertise. I look forward to your response.
Below, I have provided a detailed overview of my current business model, the challenges I face, and my future plans, along with specific questions about qualifying for the E-2 visa.
Apart from all that I explain below the main challenge I face is to get PayPal before getting the E2, as I wont be able to get that without an SSN (for the SSN I need an E2). I might get it with ITIN but I dont seem to find a lot of info about on the internet.
So its basically what comes first, chicken or the egg case for me. The E2 first or should I show the investment first, looks one needs to be there for another to happen case for me.
Since I am starting a new business in the US I doubt they would give me an E2 to set it up on an investment commitment, as funds need to be invested, if it was an established/running business like a franchise, I could have used the escrow option like most people do but thats not the case here.
Overview of My Current Business
I currently operate a website that sells customized products as an individual/sole proprietor in Pakistan, primarily serving customers in the United States (98%). Key aspects of my business include:
Sales and Revenue:
Annual Sales (3-Year Average): Approximately $70,000.
Profit Margin: Around 45% after deducting all costs and taxes.
Operations:
I and market my website through Google Ads and SEO.
Customers fill out a price quote request form on my website for customized products.
Communication is conducted via phone, email, and web chat to finalize price quotes and product mockups.
Once a price quote is approved, I send an invoice for payment.
Upon payment, the production process begins with one of my vendors.
Products are shipped directly to customers from overseas factories.
Challenges Operating from Pakistan
Operating from Pakistan presents significant challenges that limit my business’s growth potential:
1. Payment Processing Issues:
Limited access to international payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
Restrictions on international credit card transactions make it difficult to pay suppliers.
Sending timely payments to vendors is challenging due to restrictions by the State Bank of Pakistan stemming from low U.S. dollar reserves in Pakistan.
2. Marketing Constraints:
Lack of PayPal restricts effective marketing efforts, as many platforms prefer PayPal for transactions.
Pakistani bank cards do not work on PayPal, further limiting opportunities for website promotion.
3. Payment Remittance Issues:
Delays in sending payments to overseas vendors and marketing service providers affect operational efficiency and growth confidence.
4. Time Zone Challenges:
A 9-12 hour time difference causes missed phone calls and chats, resulting in a 10-20% loss of potential sales opportunities.
Future Plans for U.S.-Based Business
If granted an E-2 visa, I plan to:
Invest $50,000–$70,000 into the business:
Form a U.S.-based company (preferably sole member/shareholder)
Establish a commercial office space and acquire necessary equipment (computer, printer, internet, phone).
Hire at least one employee to handle customer inquiries and sales (capable of managing 50 orders/queries monthly).
Open a U.S. bank and integrate payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe for seamless transactions.
Allocate $2,000–$3,000 monthly for digital marketing efforts.
Expand the product line from six variants to ten additional products with multiple variants.
Leverage a physical presence to increase website traffic and customer trust.
Venture into B2B client acquisition and comply with requirements for federal and state government contracts.
Operational Benefits:
Access to a U.S.-based payment gateways for smoother transactions.
Streamline payments to suppliers for timely production and delivery.
Focus on sales, marketing, and growth without payment logistics issues.
Growth Projections:
With these enhancements, I estimate a tenfold increase in revenue.
Questions Regarding E-2 Visa Requirements
Substantial Investment:
Would my proposed investment of $50,000–$70,000 be considered substantial for this business?
Do expenses like company formation, web hosting, office lease, employee payroll, and marketing (e.g., Google Ads, SEO etc) count toward the substantial investment?
How can I demonstrate commitment to ongoing marketing expenses, which will be incurred monthly in the future?
Do I have to make the market investment now upfront or can this money be showed in bank as available for future use ?
Marketing Strategy:
Is it necessary to enter into a fixed contract with a U.S.-based digital marketing agency to demonstrate committed funds at risk?
Can I manage marketing expenses independently, leveraging my expertise? For example:
Can I maintain flexibility in how I allocate marketing funds month-to-month, or must these expenses be pre-committed with a monthly contract with a company to qualify as "funds at risk"?
Operational Requirements Before Visa Approval:
Is it necessary to secure an office lease and hire an employee before applying for the E-2 visa, or can these commitments be made post-approval subject to E2 visa?
(Most Important) Addressing SSN and Payment Processing Challenges:
Since a Social Security Number (SSN) is required to obtain payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, how can I meet operational requirements before securing the E-2 visa?
Are there alternative solutions to overcome this, as a new business should be up and running to qualify for the E2. (maybe a partnership with a US citizen ?)
Conclusion
My ultimate goal is to relocate my business operations to the U.S. to take advantage of resources and infrastructure that enable significant growth. My business aligns with the E-2 visa requirements, as it generates consistent revenue and has a clear growth trajectory. Relocating will allow me to contribute to the U.S. economy through job creation and investment.
Additionally, since all products are customized and made-to-order, I do not hold or need to hold any product inventory, except for samples of past work.
I would greatly appreciate your guidance on whether my business qualifies for the E-2 visa and how best to structure my investment and operational plans to meet the requirements.
Thank you for your time and expertise. I look forward to your response.
