Last updated 15 July 2025
Launching a business in a new country is a life-changing step, especially when that country is the United States. Suppose you’re a citizen of an E-2 treaty nation. In that case, owning a Kaminskiy Care & Repair handyman franchise can satisfy every requirement of the E-2 Treaty-Investor visa while positioning you for long-term growth, income, and—even if you choose—a future green-card strategy. This in-depth guide walks you through every element, including eligibility rules, costs, timelines, success tips, and exactly how our model ensures compliance with the E-2 requirements.
Let’s start with the basic visa facts, then layer on eligibility, investment numbers, and your launch timeline.
Before we explore the finer points, it helps to frame the big picture: the E-2 visa is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who invest a “substantial” amount in—and actively manage—a U.S. business. The table below summarizes the most frequently asked facts at a glance.3
| Purpose | Live and work in the USA by investing in, owning, and actively directing a U.S. enterprise |
|---|---|
| Visa length | Visa validity up to 5 years (varies by country); each U.S. entry is admitted for 2 years and can be extended indefinitely. |
| Typical total investment | Consulates normally expect US $100k–$200k+ “at-risk” capital |
| Work authorization | Investor works in the business; spouse may obtain open work authorization; children (< 21) can study |
| Approval rate (FY 2024) | Approx. 90 % worldwide |
| Processing time | 3–12 weeks for most embassies |
| Path to green card | Not automatic, but EB-5, EB-1C, or EB-2 NIW can follow once you scale |
Next, confirm you hold a qualifying passport.
The E-2 visa is only available to nationals of countries that maintain qualifying commerce treaties with the United States. The abbreviated lists below cover the largest participating regions; always check the State Department’s site for any updates.4
Currently ineligible: China, India, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
If you hold a treaty passport, the next question is whether your business plan will impress a consular officer.
Consular adjudicators examine whether your business plan is credible, job-creating, and sufficiently capitalized. Kaminskiy Care & Repair hits each of those notes, giving you an edge at the interview stage.
| E-2 Criterion | How Kaminskiy Care & Repair Delivers |
|---|---|
| “Substantial” investment | Start-up range ≈ US $175k–$240k, easily documented |
| Active management | Owners hire & coach techs, oversee KPIs, and market locally |
| Not marginal | Recurring small-ticket jobs plus protected territory = income beyond subsistence |
| Job creation | Each new service team typically adds one or more W‑2 field hires; office/dispatch staff follow as revenue grows. |
| Credibility | 20 years in the U.S. market with national media features and an audited playbook |
Let’s put real numbers behind that investment label.
Understanding where every dollar goes is critical for both your visa case and your financial planning. The sample budget below demonstrates the typical costs that constitute “at-risk” capital.
| Line Item | Low | High | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $74,995 | — | Signing |
| Tools & inventory | 10,000 | 15,000 | Pre-opening |
| Launch marketing (90 days) | 40,000 | 40,000 | Escrow / prepaid |
| Working capital (3 mo) | 35,000 | 55,000 | On deposit |
| Total funds “at risk” | ≈ $160k | ≈ $190k | Meets consular norms |
With funding mapped out, here’s the timeline most investors follow from signing to first revenue.
Timelines vary by embassy workload, but the roadmap below shows a realistic sequence from signing to launch, highlighting where Kaminskiy and your attorney guide the process.
| Week | Milestone | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Discovery Day → Franchise Agreement | Wire escrow or pay fee |
| 1–2 | Form U.S. LLC, open bank | Attorney files EIN |
| 2–4 | Capital infusion & spending | Secure assets, marketing contract |
| 3–5 | Business plan + DS-160 | We supply projections & support letters |
| 6–10 | Consular interview | Present receipts, franchise docs |
| 8–12 | E-2 visa issued | Enter U.S.; spouse files I-765 |
| 12–13 | HQ training | 90-hour program in San Diego |
| 14–16 | Grand-Opening Blitz | PPC, direct mail, Google LSA |
| 18–24 | Hire techs | Scale to multi‑team revenue |
Once your visa is approved, you may also map out long-term residency goals.
While the E-2 is a non-immigrant visa, many investors aim for permanent residency. Below are three proven transitions, along with what each entails.
| Route | Requirements | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| EB-5 | $800k+ investment & 10 U.S. jobs | 24–30 mo |
| EB-1C | Foreign + U.S. companies, executive role | 18–24 mo |
| EB-2 NIW | Advanced degree / exceptional ability + job plan | 12–18 mo |
Now, let’s tackle the practical questions we hear every week.
Each point below answers the questions we hear most from prospective investors.
How much time do I need to spend in the United States each year to maintain my E-2 visa and demonstrate that I’m “directing and developing” the Kaminskiy franchise?
There’s no published minimum day-count, but consular officers expect you to spend the majority of each tax year—roughly seven to nine months—in the U.S. If you’re away for long stretches, keep detailed records (video calls with staff, signed checks, KPI reports) to show you’re still running the business.
Can my spouse work for any employer in the U.S., or are they restricted to our Kaminskiy Care & Repair location?
Your spouse enjoys unrestricted employment. After entering the U.S., they file Form I-765 for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and typically receive approval within 4 to 6 weeks. They may work for the franchise, start a separate business, or accept a job with any U.S. company.
If I decide to sell or close my Kaminskiy franchise, how long can my family and I legally remain in the United States before our E-2 status expires?
Once the business is no longer operational or you relinquish ownership, your E-2 status terminates. U.S. regulations give you a 60-day grace period to depart the country, change to another visa category, or file an adjustment-of-status application (if eligible).
Is it possible to operate more than one Kaminskiy Care & Repair territory under a single E-2 visa, and are there ownership requirements for doing so?
Yes. You can add additional territories, provided you maintain at least 50 percent ownership in each entity and the combined operations meet E-2 criteria: “substantial” capital at risk, active management, and non-marginal revenue that supports U.S. jobs.
How many times can I renew my E-2 visa, and are there any limitations on the total number of years I can stay in the United States?
There is no statutory cap on renewals. As long as your franchise remains viable and non-marginal, and you continue to own and actively manage it, you may renew it indefinitely in two-year increments (or longer, depending on your country’s reciprocity schedule).
My country’s visa reciprocity grants only a 12-month E-2 stamp—will that make life more difficult compared to investors who receive five-year visas?
Not really. Even if your stamp is valid for one year, you are admitted for a full two-year period every time you enter the U.S. You’ll simply need to renew the visa foil more often (usually via a quick consulate visit abroad) or plan periodic international travel to receive the fresh two-year entry period.
Finally, compare franchising with going it alone—here are six built-in advantages.
Before you jump into any franchise or an independent start-up, consider how these advantages de-risk your E-2 journey.
Let’s turn your research into action.
If leading a team and scaling a recession-resistant, home-services brand aligns with your American dream, our franchise development team is ready to help. We’ll coordinate with your immigration attorney, supply consulate-friendly business plans, and secure prime territories.
Build a thriving business—and your new life in America—through a Kaminskiy Care & Repair franchise.
Free 15-minute consult—no obligation
Additional Resources:
Disclaimer: This guide is informational only and not legal advice. Visa rules change; consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney and review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before investing.
