The Consultant’s E-2 Business Plan: Your #1 Tool to Convince

Obtaining an E-2 visa as a consultant can seem complex: few tangible assets, a great deal of expertise, and an activity often perceived as too “solo.” Yet a well-structured, credible, and professionally presented business plan can turn this challenge into a real opportunity.

Here is how a consultant can build a business plan that will convince U.S. authorities.

1. Building a Business Plan That Counters the Perception of a “Marginal” Activity

1.1 Clarify your positioning to prove you operate a real business

For a consultant, the main risk is being seen as a simple freelancer. Your business plan must therefore:

• specify your field of specialization,

• highlight your added value on the U.S. market,

• detail your expansion strategy (services, partnerships, visibility channels),

• demonstrate a true business vision, not just an individual service.

The clearer your positioning, the more you convince the consulate of the viability of your company.

1.2 Showcase a credible commercial “pipeline”

U.S. authorities want to see that your activity has a concrete future. You may therefore include:

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• realistic projections of expected business volume.

Even without signed contracts, these elements demonstrate a real market demand for your services.

2. Demonstrating a “Substantial” Investment for an Intangible Activity

2.1 Highlight your intangible but essential investments

A consultant invests differently from a retail shop or restaurant. Eligible expenditures include:

• a professional website,

• a coworking space such as WeWork,

• digital tools (CRM, specialized software),

• marketing (branding, campaigns, social media ads),

• a PR launch or press release,

• accounting or legal services.

These are real, strategic investments that are fully acceptable in an E-2 file—provided they are itemized and documented.

2.2 Present a financial plan that is ambitious yet credible

For consultants, U.S. authorities will examine two key points:

• your ability to generate sufficient revenue,

• your intention to hire in the future (assistant, project manager, U.S. subcontractors).

Your business plan should therefore include:

• coherent financial projections,

• a progressive hiring timeline,

• a 5-year growth plan.

The goal is simple: proving that your business will not be marginal, but a true economic contributor in the United States.

The Bottom Line

For a consulting company, the E-2 business plan is the cornerstone of the application. It tells your story, validates your strategy, proves the reality of your investment, and demonstrates that your activity will contribute sustainably to the U.S. economy. When properly built, it transforms intangible expertise into a strong, credible business in the eyes of the consulate.

In such a technical and demanding immigration landscape, working with an experienced immigration attorney is not a luxury but a strategic safeguard. They help you anticipate the expectations of U.S. authorities, structure your evidence, avoid mistakes that lead to denials—and, above all, maximize your chances of securing your E-2 visa.