Can a UK citizen purchase a franchise in the USA?

Question

As a UK citizen can i purchase a franchise in the USA? I realise obtaining a visa to the states is a long, hard and drawn out process where most are unsuccessfull. However if you were to invest in a business where you would employ US citizens surely a franchise would be a good route if you had long term goals of emigrating to America?

Answer 1

if you want to invest in the United States without being a citizen you have to invest at least 700,000 dollars. Buying a franchise (depending on which one) will cost you around that much. It would probably make it easier to being a citizen if you own your own franchise. Best of luck!

Answer 2

Yes, a franchise is a valid route to an E2.

However there is *no* direct path towards permanent residency through an E2.

Furthermore there are huge restrictions placed upon the families of E2, such as that children age out at 21 and must either return home or be eligible for a visa of their own which would allow them to remain in the U.S.

Finally, it is not all about hiring American's or permanent residents, it depends on the size of your investment. You are looking at a minimum of $150K (the 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.