Important Disclaimer: The following case study is provided for illustrative purposes only. Client details have been generalized to protect confidentiality. Individual results vary based on personal circumstances, visa category, government processing times, and other factors outside our control. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Pathway to USA is a business consulting firm and does not provide legal advice. Visa approval is determined solely by USCIS and is never guaranteed.
Case Overview
| Client Profile | European entrepreneur, technology sector background |
| Country of Origin | Treaty country (E-2 eligible) |
| Visa Pathway | E-2 Treaty Investor Visa |
| Business Type | Established U.S. service business (acquisition) |
| Investment Range | $150,000–$250,000 (at-risk capital) |
| Engagement Start | Q1 2025 |
| Visa Filing Date | Q3 2025 |
| Current Status | Visa approved and client operational in the U.S. |
The Challenge
The client had a strong entrepreneurial background in the European technology sector and a clear goal: establish a U.S. business presence and obtain legal residency through the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. However, they faced several significant obstacles.
- No existing U.S. business relationships or market knowledge
- Uncertainty about qualifying business types and investment thresholds
- No established U.S. legal or banking relationships
- Complex documentation requirements for E-2 filing
- Limited understanding of U.S. entity structuring for visa compliance
Our Approach
Phase 1: Strategy & Eligibility Assessment (Weeks 1–4)
We began with a comprehensive intake review covering the client’s financial position, professional background, investment capacity, and residency goals. Based on this assessment, we confirmed E-2 eligibility and identified service-based businesses in the client’s area of expertise as the optimal acquisition targets.
Phase 2: Business Sourcing & Evaluation (Weeks 4–12)
Our team identified and evaluated multiple qualifying acquisition candidates across the target geography. We coordinated due diligence, business valuation, and purchase agreement review in coordination with the client’s legal counsel. Three businesses were presented; the client selected one based on operational fit and growth potential.
Phase 3: Entity Structuring & Legal Coordination (Weeks 10–20)
Working alongside the client’s independently retained immigration attorney (introduced through our referral network), we coordinated entity formation, investment structuring, and the preparation of supporting documentation for the E-2 application package. Our role was project management and documentation organization; all legal filings were handled by licensed counsel.
Phase 4: Application Submission & Processing (Weeks 20–36)
The complete E-2 visa application package was submitted to the U.S. consulate. Throughout the processing period, we maintained coordination between the client, legal team, and consular requirements. A Request for Evidence (RFE) was received and responded to within the required timeframe.
Phase 5: Visa Approval & Operational Launch (Weeks 36–44)
Following visa approval, we assisted with operational onboarding, including commercial leasing coordination, business banking setup, vendor relationships, and operational systems. The client relocated to the United States and took active management of the business within the approved timeline.
Results & Milestones
| Milestone | Timeline | Status |
| Business acquisition completed | Week 14 | ✓ Completed |
| Entity formation finalized | Week 16 | ✓ Completed |
| E-2 application submitted | Week 22 | ✓ Completed |
| RFE received and responded to | Week 28 | ✓ Completed |
| Visa approval received | Week 37 | ✓ Completed |
| Client operational in the U.S. | Week 44 | ✓ Completed |
Key Outcomes
- E-2 visa approved within 9 months of engagement start
- Business acquisition completed within budget parameters
- Full legal compliance achieved across entity structure and investment documentation
- Client actively operating U.S. business within approved E-2 scope
Scope Boundaries & Limitations
Pathway to USA’s role in this engagement was limited to business consulting, project management, business sourcing, and coordination. All immigration legal services, including visa filing preparation and USCIS communication, were performed by the client’s independently retained immigration attorney. Pathway to USA does not practice law and does not represent clients before any government agency.
Timeline reflects actual elapsed time for this specific case. Individual case timelines vary based on business sourcing availability, due diligence complexity, legal preparation time, consular scheduling, and government processing periods. Pathway to USA does not control government processing times.
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