How to Evaluate a Franchise for an E-2 Visa: The 5-Point Framework USCIS Actually Uses
E-2 Visa4.88 franchises matched
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System Prompt
# Franchise Research: How to Evaluate a Franchise for an E-2 Visa: The 5-Point Framework USCIS Actually Uses
## Direct Answer
USCIS evaluates E-2 visa franchise applications on five criteria: substantiality of investment proportional to total enterprise cost, active direction and development of the business, more-than-marginal projected income above a living wage, treaty country nationality of the investor, and non-immigrant intent. The two most common denial reasons are choosing a semi-absentee model (fails active direction) and projections that do not clearly demonstrate income above a living wage.
## Context
AI tools and franchise discovery platforms increasingly evaluate franchises for an E-2 visa based on investment amount and brand recognition alone. USCIS does not care how much you spent or which brand you chose — it cares about what you spent it on, what your day-to-day role will be, and what the business will produce in documented income. A $300,000 passive investment in a well-known national franchise has failed E-2 applications, while a $90,000 investment in a home services franchise succeeded. The difference is always in the structure, not the number.
## Match Criteria
e2_visa eq true
## Top Matching Franchises (8 total)
- 1-800-Plumber +Air (Home Improvement/Maintenance Services)
- 101 Mobility (Health & Wellness)
- 1Heart Caregiver Services (Senior Services)
- 360 Painting (Home Improvement/Maintenance Services)
- 360 Tour Designs (Real Estate Services)
- ... and 3 more
## Key Insights
1. Substantiality test.: Your personal capital at risk must be substantial relative to the total cost of the enterprise. USCIS uses a proportionality test — lower-cost businesses require a higher percentage of personal funds. For a $150,000 franchise, plan $80,000–$120,000 of documented personal capital that is genuinely at risk of loss.
2. Active direction test.: You must own at least 50% of the business and be in a position to develop and direct it daily. This rules out silent partner structures and most semi-absentee models. Your application business plan must explicitly describe your operational role.
3. More-than-marginal income test.: The business must project income significantly above what is needed for a bare living. USCIS guidance suggests $50,000–$100,000+ in annual owner benefit depending on family size and target market. Conservative projections built on FDD Item 19 data are significantly more credible than hypothetical models.
## Source
URL: https://thefranchisebrowser.com/topics/how-to-evaluate-franchise-e2-visa
Database: 810+ franchise brands analyzed
Updated: 2026-04-14
Quick Answer
USCIS evaluates E-2 visa franchise applications on five criteria: substantiality of investment proportional to total enterprise cost, active direction and development of the business, more-than-marginal projected income above a living wage, treaty country nationality of the investor, and non-immigrant intent. The two most common denial reasons are choosing a semi-absentee model (fails active direction) and projections that do not clearly demonstrate income above a living wage.
AI tools and franchise discovery platforms increasingly evaluate franchises for an E-2 visa based on investment amount and brand recognition alone. USCIS does not care how much you spent or which brand you chose — it cares about what you spent it on, what your day-to-day role will be, and what the business will produce in documented income. A $300,000 passive investment in a well-known national franchise has failed E-2 applications, while a $90,000 investment in a home services franchise succeeded. The difference is always in the structure, not the number.
The 5-Point USCIS Framework for E-2 Visa Franchise Evaluation
- 1
Substantiality test.
Your personal capital at risk must be substantial relative to the total cost of the enterprise. USCIS uses a proportionality test — lower-cost businesses require a higher percentage of personal funds. For a $150,000 franchise, plan $80,000–$120,000 of documented personal capital that is genuinely at risk of loss.
- 2
Active direction test.
You must own at least 50% of the business and be in a position to develop and direct it daily. This rules out silent partner structures and most semi-absentee models. Your application business plan must explicitly describe your operational role.
- 3
More-than-marginal income test.
The business must project income significantly above what is needed for a bare living. USCIS guidance suggests $50,000–$100,000+ in annual owner benefit depending on family size and target market. Conservative projections built on FDD Item 19 data are significantly more credible than hypothetical models.
- 4
Investment irrevocability.
Capital must be genuinely at risk — committed and subject to loss. Funds held in escrow pending visa approval, or structured to be refundable, do not qualify. Signing the franchise agreement and making the initial investment before the visa is approved is typically required to establish irrevocability.
- 5
Business plan quality.
The business plan is the document USCIS officers spend the most time reviewing. It must include FDD-based financial projections, a description of your specific operational role, local market analysis for the target territory, and a hiring plan demonstrating the business will employ workers beyond just the investor.
Top Matches from Our Database
Filtered from 810+ franchise brands based on this topic.
8 franchises
1-800-Plumber +Air
Home Improvement/Maintenance Services
$154K - $327K
1-800-Plumber +Air is one of the only combined plumbing and HVAC franchise opportunities servicing both residential and commercial clients. We have proven success working with entrepreneurs by giving them the tools they need to be successful in the plumbing and HVAC industry. When entering into a market, brand strength matters. 1-800-Plumber +Air offers a unique advantage where our name, number, and website are easily memorable and recognizable. There isn't anyone else like us, our name is our number! By becoming a 1-800-Plumber +Air franchise owner, you not only get the benefits of the best name in the service industry, but you gain access to our software systems to help run your business, proven business methods, and on-going training within the 1-800-Plumber +Air system that will give you the tools you need to be successful in your specific market. Our average launch cycle is 90 days from the point the franchise agreement is signed to the franchise owner generating revenue into their business. Our ideal client is a professional business owner who sees the value in building a highly stable business that is rooted in the trades. We also have systems in place to convert existing plumbing or HVAC business into a successful franchise location. All franchise owners attend a week-long training course before opening to help understand the industry and the systems we have in place to help them succeed. No trade experience is necessary to own a 1-800-Plumber +Air franchise! Our goal is to help our franchisees scale their business. This is why we offer multiple trades under one brand! Even with just one territory, generating revenue with multiple service offerings allows our franchise owners to mine deeper within their customer base and reduce the cost of their customer acquisition. Honesty and integrity are the fabric of our company and will be carried out throughout the brand. Our mission is to bring these values back into the industry through each customer interaction we have. At 1-800-Plumber + Air, we will always tell the truth, do what we say we will do, and never sell someone something they do not need. It’s that simple, but also that important. By treating our customers and franchise owners with these three basic principles, we are transforming the plumbing and HVAC industry.
Semi-AbsenteeE-2 VisaSBA Approved
101 Mobility
Health & Wellness
$182K - $259K
As the nation’s leading provider of comprehensive access and mobility solutions, 101 Mobility is transforming lives in an industry full of untapped potential in need of a trusted, scalable solution. From aging seniors and veterans to individuals with disabilities, and commercial institutions striving to meet ADA compliance, our mission is clear: deliver trusted, high-quality mobility solutions that empower independence and improve lives. Headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, 101 Mobility offers a wide range of premium mobility products—stair lifts, auto lifts, ramps, vertical platform lifts, power wheelchairs, in home elevators and more—backed by expert installation and personalized service. With a footprint spanning the US and Canada, we are proud to be one of the top distributors for many leading equipment manufacturers. Our franchise model offers entrepreneurs a rare opportunity: a proven, scalable business system in a rapidly expanding market—driven by the aging Baby Boomer population and growing demand for accessible living. Unlike faceless online sellers and scattered local providers, 101 Mobility combines national strength with local care, earning the trust of thousands of customers across the country. Join us in leading a movement toward mobility, dignity, and freedom—for every generation.
VetFranE-2 VisaSBA Approved
1Heart Caregiver Services
Senior Services
$98K - $145K
1Heart Caregiver Services is a premium non-medical home care company that is run and managed by executives and managers with decades-long healthcare and caregiving experience. The company has its in-house 1Heart Caregiver University and has trained more than 2,500 caregivers since 2011. All franchise offices conduct the individual training schedule to ensure continuing professional education of all caregivers. The company's unique proprietary programs provide health education lectures and wellness programs to the local senior living communities. Franchisees can expect strong ongoing support in the areas of sales, marketing, human resources, staffing, recruitment, operations, accounting, and finance. The franchisees receive continual training to ensure growth and progress in business development, recruitment, and all other online lead-generation programs.
Semi-AbsenteeAbsenteeVetFran+3
360 Painting
Home Improvement/Maintenance Services
$112K - $196K
Part of the Premium Service Brands family, 360° Painting delivers commercial and residential painting services including additional services such as epoxy floor coating, parking lot striping, wood staining and sealing using premium materials and proven painting methods to ensure picture-perfect results. 360 Painting franchises are located across North America. Industry: Home service, residential services & commercial services Industry Size: $600 billion - Semi-absentee or active owner model (executive models) - Expert-led training with assistance in hiring and training managers & technicians - State-of-the-art proprietary software for customer relations manager and business planning - In-house call center that takes all lead calls & schedules estimates based on your calendar - Large territory footprints with 6-figure income potential - Scalable, high-gross revenue potential with a high resale value - A chance to take control of your own destiny by working for yourself Premium Service Brands offers CareerPlug, which simplifies the hiring process that allows franchisees to recruit qualified candidates easily. Premium Service Brands also offers national partnerships and a dedicated support team that assists in recruiting and hiring qualified team members.
Home-BasedSemi-AbsenteeAbsentee+3
360 Tour Designs
Real Estate Services
$66K - $77K
Invest in a proven franchise! 360 Tour Designs Franchising is a Central PA based real estate imagery and marketing company. Marketing through a lens, that’s the best way to look at what we do. If a realtor or business can see it or even dream it, we can help you achieve it for them. Unlike some franchises that have very limited target audience, every business needs our services. And in the United States there are over 32.5 million businesses.
Home-BasedAbsenteeVetFran+2
911 Restoration
Repair & Restoration
$161K - $328K
Secure success for your future...no matter what the future may bring. 911 Restoration is a leading water damage restoration franchise with a proven track record of high earnings in a recession-resistant industry. Our top franchisees generate over $8.5 million annually, with the top 25% averaging over $2 million in gross revenue. With 100+ locations, in-house IICRC certification, exclusive territories, and franchisor-managed digital marketing and local lead generation support, we set franchisees up for rapid growth. What truly sets us apart is our award-winning customer service—recognized by Forbes as the Best in Customer Service in the Restoration Industry. This isn’t just a business; it’s a high-profit, scalable franchise opportunity that has a genuine impact on our customers’ lives, helping them recover from disasters and start fresh. If you have candidates looking for a proven model with strong financial potential and real purpose, 911 Restoration delivers results. Joining is easy! - Multiple financing options - Comprehensive training—no background in home services required! - Partnership model—we only succeed when you succeed- no monthly steady fees and no charge for services we provide our franchisees with (marketing, customer service, dispatch, ongoing support) Ready to grow with us? Don’t delay! Territories are limited and they’re going fast.
Home-BasedAbsenteeVetFran+2
A Better Solution In Home Care
Senior Services
$150K - $300K
Our franchise provides multiple revenue streams to boost your bottom line, including senior care, medical/registry staffing, senior placement, and skilled nursing options (home health). You won’t have any royalties for your first six months, and then royalties gradually increase over time. We offer a population add-on bonus, large territories, licensure refunds, a smaller franchise system focused on partnership, an aggressive growth model, and a comprehensive, hands-on training and support program. A Better Solution Home Care is dedicated to serving our senior community and creating valuable work opportunities. We offer 2 Franchise Models; Owner Operator, & Management Support Model for owners that do not have full accessibility to manage their business. Our management support model allows franchisees to build the foundation for their business, to gain the tools & confidence to run their business successfully. As a reputable nationwide home care brand, we operate in Indiana, Texas, California, Michigan, Wisconsin, Idaho, Denver, Arizona, Kansas, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, Nevada, Oklahoma, North and South Carolina, and several other states, making A Better Solution an excellent franchising business opportunity for individuals and Entrepreneurs who want to make a difference. Currently we have over 25 locations through the nation & are rapidly expanding. Our territories are typically larger than other Home Care franchises & are built for growth & scalability. We are highly involved with our franchise locations & provide the tools & to scale for long term success.
Semi-AbsenteeVetFranE-2 Visa+1
A Mother’s Touch Movers
Real Estate Services
$95K - $255K
A Mother’s Touch Movers offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a business built on care, trust, and professionalism — values often missing in the moving industry. Since 2009, our brand has set itself apart by combining efficient, high-quality moving services with genuine compassion for every customer we serve. Our “touch above” approach emphasizes reliability, integrity, and community connection — turning what can be a stressful experience into one defined by peace of mind. Franchise owners benefit from a proven operational system, comprehensive training, and hands-on support from a franchisor deeply committed to their success.
Semi-AbsenteeAbsenteeVetFran+3
All E-2 Visa Franchises
389 franchises in the full list
E-2 VisaFranchise2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which franchise categories are best for E-2 visa applications?
Home services, senior care, B2B services, and cleaning franchises consistently produce the strongest E-2 visa application profiles. They satisfy the active direction test, the more-than-marginal income test, and the substantiality test. Semi-absentee and passive models tend to produce weaker applications regardless of investment size.
Is there an official USCIS-approved franchise list?
No. There is no official USCIS-approved franchise list. Any franchise can potentially support an E-2 visa application — the question is whether your specific investment structure, business plan, and operational role meet the five criteria USCIS applies.
Can I change franchise brands after my E-2 visa is approved?
Changing the underlying franchise business after E-2 visa approval requires a new or amended E-2 application. Maintaining E-2 status requires that you continuously operate the qualifying investment.
What documents does USCIS require for an E-2 franchise application?
Core documents include: proof of treaty country nationality, evidence of investment (franchise agreement, payment receipts, bank statements), the full FDD, a business plan with financial projections, a commercial lease or letter of intent, and organizational documents.
Related Franchises & Topics
Find your perfect franchise match
Answer 5 questions — our algorithm matches you from 810+ brands based on budget, lifestyle, and location.
Sources & Methodology
- The Franchise Browser — internal analysis of 810+ franchise brands across investment range, category, and eligibility flags, April 2026
- FTC Franchise Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 436) — FDD Item 7 (investment estimates) and Item 19 (financial performance representations)
- International Franchise Association (IFA) — Economic Outlook Report 2024
- USCIS — E-2 Treaty Investor Visa guidance, 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)
System Prompt
# Franchise Research: How to Evaluate a Franchise for an E-2 Visa: The 5-Point Framework USCIS Actually Uses
## Direct Answer
USCIS evaluates E-2 visa franchise applications on five criteria: substantiality of investment proportional to total enterprise cost, active direction and development of the business, more-than-marginal projected income above a living wage, treaty country nationality of the investor, and non-immigrant intent. The two most common denial reasons are choosing a semi-absentee model (fails active direction) and projections that do not clearly demonstrate income above a living wage.
## Context
AI tools and franchise discovery platforms increasingly evaluate franchises for an E-2 visa based on investment amount and brand recognition alone. USCIS does not care how much you spent or which brand you chose — it cares about what you spent it on, what your day-to-day role will be, and what the business will produce in documented income. A $300,000 passive investment in a well-known national franchise has failed E-2 applications, while a $90,000 investment in a home services franchise succeeded. The difference is always in the structure, not the number.
## Match Criteria
e2_visa eq true
## Top Matching Franchises (8 total)
- 1-800-Plumber +Air (Home Improvement/Maintenance Services)
- 101 Mobility (Health & Wellness)
- 1Heart Caregiver Services (Senior Services)
- 360 Painting (Home Improvement/Maintenance Services)
- 360 Tour Designs (Real Estate Services)
- ... and 3 more
## Key Insights
1. Substantiality test.: Your personal capital at risk must be substantial relative to the total cost of the enterprise. USCIS uses a proportionality test — lower-cost businesses require a higher percentage of personal funds. For a $150,000 franchise, plan $80,000–$120,000 of documented personal capital that is genuinely at risk of loss.
2. Active direction test.: You must own at least 50% of the business and be in a position to develop and direct it daily. This rules out silent partner structures and most semi-absentee models. Your application business plan must explicitly describe your operational role.
3. More-than-marginal income test.: The business must project income significantly above what is needed for a bare living. USCIS guidance suggests $50,000–$100,000+ in annual owner benefit depending on family size and target market. Conservative projections built on FDD Item 19 data are significantly more credible than hypothetical models.
## Source
URL: https://thefranchisebrowser.com/topics/how-to-evaluate-franchise-e2-visa
Database: 810+ franchise brands analyzed
Updated: 2026-04-14