When Jairo, a Colombian entrepreneur, reached out to us, his story was one of frustration and regret. He had attempted to write his own business plan for an E-2 visa, convinced that his “simple business” only required a “simple plan.” To save money, Jairo decided to handle it himself. Unfortunately, USCIS denied his visa application, categorizing his business as marginal.
Jairo was devastated. He had invested time, energy, and money into his dream, only to have his plans derailed. After his denial, he hired an immigration attorney, who advised him to wait a significant amount of time before reapplying. Visa denials often leave a mark on an immigration record, and adjudication officers rarely overlook prior refusals. Jairo’s business plans were put on indefinite hold, and he had to leave the U.S., unable to operate the business he had poured so much into.
Why Did Jairo’s Plan Fail?
Jairo’s story highlights why writing your own business plan, or hiring someone without specialized expertise, is often a costly mistake. An immigration business plan is not a standard business plan—it has a specific purpose: to get your visa approved. Plans written without this objective in mind can fail to align with immigration regulations, leaving applicants like Jairo in precarious situations.
The Risks of DIY Business Plans and Low-Cost Providers
Yes, you can write your own plan or file your application. But should you?
- Tempting Low Costs: Writing your own plan or opting for a low-cost provider may save money initially, but it can lead to expensive clean-ups or irreversible damage if the application is denied.
- Legal Risks: Filing your application with advice from non-attorneys is not only illegal but can also permanently harm your chances of immigrating. We’ve seen cases where poorly handled applications resulted in applicants losing their ability to immigrate altogether.
Common Mistakes in DIY Business Plans
A professional immigration business plan writer avoids pitfalls that DIY or generic templates cannot. Common mistakes include:
- Lack of Detail: Immigration business plans require a detailed narrative—not just financials.
- Misaligned with Immigration Regulations: Generic plans don’t account for immigration laws.
- Wrong Audience: While standard business plans target investors or bankers, immigration business plans are written for USCIS adjudication officers.
- Irrelevant Information: Much of what’s included in standard plans is useless—or even harmful—in an immigration context.
- Incorrect Treatment of Investment: The investment section is the cornerstone of an E-2 visa application and receives the most scrutiny. For instance, the way investments are detailed and broken down in an E-2 business plan is vastly different from a standard business plan.
Why Choose a Professional?
We don’t just write business plans; we consult, educate, and empower our clients. We walk them through our process to ensure their plan not only reflects their business goals but also satisfies USCIS requirements. Our flat fee covers a customized, thoroughly researched plan designed with one goal: visa approval.
Professionals like us limit the number of clients we take each month, ensuring every client receives undivided attention. Unlike low-cost providers who churn out template-based plans, we take the time to understand your business, your goals, and what adjustments may be necessary to meet immigration standards.
What Sets Us Apart
- No Templates: Our plans are custom-made and never generic, ensuring that every detail aligns with your unique business and immigration needs.
- Specialization: We are not just business plan writers—we are business consultants with 15+ years in the business immigration arena. We sit on immigration panels, attend dozens of immigration conferences annually, and continuously stay updated on the latest developments in immigration law. Immigration attorneys frequently consult us for guidance and insights on the business aspects of their cases, trusting us to deliver expertise that makes a difference.
- Client-Centered Approach: We share a common goal with our clients—visa approval. We are willing to do what it takes to ensure a successful outcome, offering personalized advice and strategies to help clients not just meet, but exceed USCIS requirements.
- Limited Caseload: As a boutique firm, we specialize in providing top-quality, personalized services. We intentionally limit the number of clients we take on each month to ensure each case gets the undivided attention and meticulous care it deserves. We are specialists in what we do, and our focus is always on delivering the highest level of expertise and results.
By working with us, you’re not just hiring a service—you’re partnering with a team dedicated to your success. Let us help you craft a solid, realistic, and personalized business plan designed to achieve one goal: visa approval.
Contact us today to get started
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
If you are looking for any of the following, we can help you!
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