If you are exploring the E-2 visa, you might be asking yourself a few practical questions. What kind of business will qualify? Can I start with a modest investment and still meet the visa requirements? Will the business be taken seriously by immigration officers?
The truth is that your business does not need to be large or complex. It does, however, need to be real, structured, and capable of generating more than just personal income. It should be active from the start, show potential for growth, and ideally create jobs over time. The business types below reflect these expectations. Each one is accessible to launch and has a clear path to meeting what the E-2 visa process is looking for.
1. Residential or Commercial Cleaning
Starting a cleaning business requires minimal upfront investment. Basic supplies like cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, and uniforms can be purchased for under $5,000. It does not require a storefront, and operations can be managed from home or a small office, with most work done on-site at client locations.
This business model is highly scalable, allowing you to hire employees as demand increases. Because it provides a tangible, local service with potential for job creation, it is a strong candidate for the E-2 visa. It also has recurring income potential through ongoing contracts.
2. Mobile Car Wash or Detailing
A mobile car wash business can be launched with basic detailing tools, a portable pressure washer, and a used van, often for under $10,000 to $20,000. There is no need for expensive real estate or high overhead, and appointments can be managed online or by phone.
It is a local, service-based business with strong demand in urban and suburban areas. If structured with employees or contracted staff and marketed properly, it meets the E-2 requirement of being more than marginal and can show job creation in the short term.
3. Lawn Care or Landscaping
Lawn care is low-cost to start, with expenses focused on a mower, trimmer, trailer, and vehicle, often under $15,000 to $25,000. There is no office or storefront needed, and jobs are performed at clients’ homes or properties.
With rising demand for outdoor maintenance in most U.S. states, this business can grow quickly with seasonal or year-round contracts. As you hire crew members, schedule coordinators, and managers, it becomes a scalable business suitable for E-2 purposes.
4. Tutoring or Educational Services
This business can be launched from home or by renting a small classroom or coworking space. Startup costs are mainly marketing, minimal supplies, and licensing if applicable, making it possible to start under $10,000. You can begin with one subject such as math or English and expand.
Education-focused businesses are highly valued by U.S. communities. They are clearly not marginal, especially if you scale by adding other tutors or subjects. With a strong business plan, you can show revenue growth and hiring, both key for E-2 approval.
5. Digital Marketing Agency
All you need to start are a laptop, internet, and a few subscriptions to marketing tools, which makes it possible to begin under $10,000. You can offer SEO, social media, advertising, and branding services. Many clients can be managed remotely.
To qualify for the E-2 visa, the agency should be structured as a formal U.S. business such as an LLC or corporation, with future plans to hire account managers, content creators, or designers. With a professional website, a few active contracts, and a clear operations plan, you can demonstrate that it is a real and growing enterprise.
6. Food Cart or Mobile Food Stand
This is one of the lowest-cost entries into the food industry. A basic food cart or stand can be bought or leased for $10,000 to $30,000 depending on local regulations and food type. Permits, health licenses, and initial ingredients are the main setup costs.
Although the investment is relatively small, it is a highly visible and community-based business. You can hire cooks, servers, and assistants, which helps meet E-2 job creation standards. A food cart with proper licenses, staffing, and a consistent customer base clearly qualifies as an active business.
7. Mobile Pet Grooming
A used van outfitted with grooming equipment can often be purchased for $20,000 to $30,000. With training or a certified groomer, you can offer services directly at customers’ homes. There is no need for a storefront or expensive lease.
Pet services are growing in demand across the U.S., and grooming is a regular, repeat service. By adding vans or hiring staff, you can expand quickly. This shows a scalable, legitimate operation that supports employees and long-term sustainability, which meets E-2 expectations.
8. Personal Training or Fitness Instruction
If you are certified, the startup cost is very low, usually under $10,000 for basic equipment, insurance, and marketing. You can operate from a home gym, a public park, or a rented studio space, avoiding major real estate expenses.
As a personal trainer or small class instructor, you can gradually add clients, assistants, or partner instructors. E-2 visa officers will look for a growth plan and clear business operations, both of which are achievable through group classes, training programs, or online offerings.
9. Handyman or Property Maintenance
Basic tools, a work truck or van, and licensing can get you started for under $15,000 to $25,000. Jobs are performed at the client’s site, so there is no need for an office in the beginning. If you have skills in repairs, plumbing, or installations, this can become profitable quickly.
To meet E-2 visa requirements, the business must be structured to show it is more than solo self-employment. By hiring technicians, offering service contracts, and expanding into different maintenance areas, you can demonstrate long-term growth and job creation.
10. Non-Medical Home Care for Seniors
Startup costs can be relatively low, often between $30,000 and $50,000. Key expenses include licensing, insurance, scheduling software, and office rental. Since caregivers are typically paid hourly, you can grow staffing needs alongside your client base.
The U.S. has a rapidly aging population, and non-medical home care is in high demand. This business model has built-in potential for hiring and can show community impact from the start. If structured properly, it is a strong fit for the E-2 visa.
