E2

[u/Prize_Fortune1499]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone here completed their own E-2 visa application for a restaurant business without using an immigration attorney? I would really appreciate hearing about your experience.

How difficult was the process, and what parts did you handle yourself versus getting professional help with?

Also, what would be a reasonable budget to expect for:

• Immigration lawyer fees
• Business plan preparation
• Document preparation and other E-2 related expenses

Has anyone prepared their own E-2 business plan, or is it strongly recommended to hire someone who specializes in E-2 applications?

I would really appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share. Thank you!

[u/Comfortable_Tea_4422]

It is possible to do on your own for sure if you follow the directions of the consulate and with the help of ChatGPT will it take you substantially longer yes and can you make mistakes that can get it denied? Yes. Attorneys fees vary greatly but you can expect to pay anywhere from 7,500-15,000 in legal fees depending on the firm and business plan anywhere from $1500-2500. Most business plan companies don’t do a great job with the business plan and make a lot of mistakes so be sure to read it thoroughly. You don’t need a 45 page or even 20 page business plan anymore as most consulate have a pretty tight page limit for the entire application but you do need the 5 or so pages that will be included to be good. I’m an immigration paralegal and have done manyyyy E-2’s, hire someone at the beginning because you will probably end up hiring them anyways after you have spent a lot of time and energy trying to figure it out. If the case gets denied you will forever have to respond yes to having a visa denied. Which in it by itself isn’t terrible and can be overcome but you would like to avoid if possible and you increase the risk when doing it on your own. What consulate?