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Immigration Lawyer Hackensack E-2 Visa for F&b Expansion



An experienced F&B entrepreneur sought to expand into the United States by launching a new brand through a U.S. Entity.

The case involved an E-2 Treaty Investor application structured for an executive level business owner, with the applicant serving in a direct managerial and operational leadership capacity.

This case study explains how an immigration lawyer Hackensack business owners may consult can structure an E-2 petition that aligns with federal immigration standards and practical business realities.

The E-2 visa allows nationals of treaty countries to enter the United States to develop and direct a business in which they have made a substantial investment.

In executive level cases, adjudicating officers closely evaluate whether the applicant will actively manage and develop the enterprise rather than function as a passive investor.

Proper documentation, credible financial projections, and a clearly defined managerial role are critical to approval.

Contents


1. Immigration Lawyer Hackensack New Jersey Strategic Background and Business Structure


This case involved a founder with extensive multi unit restaurant management experience and a proven record of brand development and operational scaling.

The U.S. Expansion required careful alignment between the corporate structure, capital investment, and the applicant’s executive responsibilities.

An immigration lawyer in Hackensack whom entrepreneurs rely on must ensure that the petition reflects genuine business operations consistent with E-2 regulatory standards.



New Jersey Executive Profile and Prior F&b Experience


The applicant was not a passive shareholder but an active founder who had:

ㆍ Launched and scaled multiple restaurant locations.

ㆍ Designed standardized operating systems for franchise style expansion.

ㆍ Overseen recruitment, workforce training, and managerial supervision.

ㆍ Provided advisory services for overseas market entry projects.

 

This professional background demonstrated substantial executive and operational competence, which is essential for E-2 classification when the applicant will serve in a directing capacity.



New Jersey U.S. Entity Formation and Capital Investment Structure


The applicant established a U.S. Corporation to operate the new F&B brand. The investment included lease commitments, equipment purchases, initial payroll allocation, marketing costs, and working capital. 

 

The capital was irrevocably committed and at risk, which satisfies the E-2 requirement that the investment be substantial in relation to the total cost of the enterprise.

 

The business plan projected job creation for U.S. Workers, thereby supporting the non marginality requirement under federal immigration guidelines.



2. Immigration Lawyer Hackensack New Jersey E-2 Legal Framework and Eligibility Analysis


An E-2 petition must demonstrate treaty nationality, a substantial investment, real and operating enterprise status, and the applicant’s role in directing and developing the business.

In executive level cases, immigration authorities focus heavily on the applicant’s managerial authority and control over essential operations.

A properly prepared case by an immigration lawyer Hackensack companies consult addresses each statutory element in a structured and evidence based manner.



New Jersey Substantial Investment and Non Marginality Requirements


To qualify, the investment must be:

ㆍ Substantial in proportion to the total business cost.

ㆍ Sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise.

ㆍ Committed and at risk in a commercial sense.

 

Additionally, the enterprise must not be marginal. This means it must generate more than minimal living income and should have the present or future capacity to create employment for U.S. Workers. 

 

The submitted five year financial forecast demonstrated projected revenue growth and structured hiring plans for kitchen staff, managers, and administrative personnel.



New Jersey Executive Control and Operational Oversight


The applicant’s role was clearly defined as:

ㆍ Overseeing brand development and concept localization.

ㆍ Supervising site selection, lease negotiations, and vendor contracts.

ㆍ Managing recruitment, onboarding, and compliance training.

ㆍ Designing supply chain logistics and quality control systems.

 

This direct operational authority distinguished the applicant from a passive investor and satisfied the requirement that the E-2 principal develop and direct the enterprise.



3. Immigration Lawyer Hackensack New Jersey Consular Interview Preparation and Strategy


Consular interviews in E-2 cases often determine the final outcome.

Even when documentation is strong, unclear explanations regarding managerial authority or capital deployment may raise concerns.

Strategic preparation ensured that the applicant’s answers were consistent with the petition and demonstrated a coherent business plan.



New Jersey Documentation and Business Plan Presentation


The application package included:

ㆍ Corporate formation documents and ownership structure evidence.

ㆍ Proof of capital transfer and expenditure records.

ㆍ Commercial lease agreements and vendor contracts.

ㆍ A detailed business plan outlining revenue projections and hiring timelines.

 

The materials emphasized operational substance rather than speculative intent, reinforcing that the enterprise was real and active.



New Jersey Interview Alignment and Role Clarification


Interview preparation focused on articulating:

ㆍ The applicant’s day to day executive functions.

ㆍ Delegation structure and supervisory hierarchy.

ㆍ Revenue generation strategy and growth milestones.

ㆍ Compliance with U.S. Labor and regulatory standards.

 

As a result, the interview concluded without requests for additional evidence, and the E-2 visa was approved without further inquiry.



4. Immigration Lawyer Hackensack New Jersey Approval Outcome and Practical Implications


The case illustrates that E-2 approval in the F&B sector depends not only on capital size but also on credible operational leadership.

When the applicant demonstrates genuine executive authority and a viable expansion model, approval is achievable under existing federal immigration standards.

For entrepreneurs considering U.S. Expansion, structured legal preparation is essential.

An immigration lawyer Hackensack business founders consult can evaluate treaty eligibility, investment proportionality, corporate structure, and executive positioning before filing.

With proper planning, strategic documentation, and disciplined interview preparation, similar E-2 approvals may be possible for qualified investors seeking to develop and direct a U.S. Enterprise.


18 Feb, 2026


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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