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๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia · E-2 Treaty Country

E-2 visa franchises for Australian citizens

Australia has an E-2 treaty relationship with the United States, separate from the E-3 specialty occupation visa. If you're an Australian citizen exploring U.S. franchise ownership through the E-2 Treaty Investor program, here's what to know before you start.

Treaty Status
Treaty Investor Eligible

Australian nationals may pursue E-2 Treaty Investor classification when the applicable eligibility requirements are met.

Application Process
Case-Dependent Processing

Australian applicants generally complete E-2 visa processing through a U.S. consular post. The appropriate location and procedure should be confirmed with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney and the relevant U.S. government agency.

Typical Franchise Investment
$125K โ€“ $300K+

Many franchise opportunities fall within this range. The E-2 visa has no fixed minimum; the investment must be substantial relative to the business cost.

What to Know

The E-2 path for Australian investors

Australian citizens may qualify for E-2 Treaty Investor classification when they meet the applicable investment, ownership, and business requirements.

Franchise Coach helps you evaluate franchise opportunities based on your available capital, ownership goals, operating preferences, and timeline. A licensed U.S. immigration attorney should evaluate your immigration eligibility, filing strategy, and appropriate processing path.

Before You File

Documents you'll need to start pulling together

A general starting checklist. Your immigration attorney will confirm exactly what your case requires. Not sure which franchise fits first? Try the free franchise match quiz .

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Valid passport & proof of Australian citizenship

Documentation used to establish nationality for E-2 treaty eligibility.

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Source-of-funds documentation

Records showing where your investment capital came from and how the funds were obtained. Your immigration attorney should advise which documentation is appropriate for your circumstances.

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Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

Review the franchise's required investment, fees, obligations, and business model before making a commitment.

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Business plan

Developed around business factors commonly evaluated in an E-2 case, including substantial investment and non-marginality, in coordination with your immigration attorney.

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Evidence funds are committed and at risk

Your immigration attorney can advise what evidence is appropriate to demonstrate that investment capital has been committed to the enterprise.

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Immigration attorney engagement

Work with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney to evaluate eligibility and handle the immigration filing and legal strategy.

Important legal notice

Franchise Coach is a private franchise consulting service and is not affiliated with USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, or any U.S. government agency. Franchise Coach is not a law firm and does not provide immigration legal advice. Immigration eligibility, filing strategy, documentation requirements, and processing procedures should be reviewed with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney and confirmed through official U.S. government sources, including the U.S. Department of State .

How It Works

Five steps from franchise search to opening your business

01

Find a suitable franchise

Explore opportunities based on investment level, ownership model, operating requirements, and factors commonly relevant to E-2 investors.

02

Review the FDD and investment

Evaluate the franchise disclosure, required investment, fees, and financial commitments with your professional advisors.

03

Prepare your business plan

Develop a business plan addressing relevant E-2 business factors, including the investment and non-marginality requirements, in coordination with your immigration attorney.

04

Complete the immigration process

Your licensed U.S. immigration attorney will advise on the appropriate filing or processing strategy for your individual circumstances.

05

Prepare to open your franchise

Franchise Coach remains available to support the franchise ownership process as you prepare for launch.

Australian Applicant FAQ

Questions Australian investors ask first

Is the E-2 visa the same as Australia's E-3 visa? +

No. The E-3 and E-2 are separate visa classifications. The E-3 is generally for eligible Australian professionals working in specialty occupations for a U.S. employer, while the E-2 is a treaty investor classification for qualifying investors who invest in and develop or direct a U.S. enterprise.

Which U.S. consulate handles E-2 applications for Australians? +

Australian applicants generally complete E-2 visa processing through a U.S. consular post. The appropriate location and procedure should be confirmed with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney and the relevant U.S. government agency.

Can I pursue an E-2 if I currently hold E-3 status? +

E-2 and E-3 classifications have different eligibility requirements. A licensed U.S. immigration attorney should evaluate whether and how an E-2 strategy may apply to your individual circumstances.

Other Treaty Countries

Guides for other nationalities

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Canada

See treaty status, process notes, and FAQ for Canada applicants.

Canada guide
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United Kingdom

See treaty status, process notes, and FAQ for United Kingdom applicants.

United Kingdom guide
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Pakistan

See treaty status, process notes, and FAQ for Pakistan applicants.

Pakistan guide

Ready to explore E-2 franchise opportunities?

Book a free, no-pressure call to discuss your available investment, timeline, ownership goals, and franchise opportunities that may fit your business objectives.

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