Case Study: E-2 Visa Approval for a Vietnamese Investor in the Specialty Food Sector

Background

Global Immigration Partners PLLC represented a 39-year-old male Vietnamese national in successfully obtaining an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. With prior experience running a family-owned food distribution company in Vietnam, the client aimed to establish a specialty Asian grocery store and import business in the United States. His vision was to serve both the growing Vietnamese-American community and a wider audience seeking authentic Asian ingredients.

Client Objectives

  • Obtain an E-2 Visa to relocate to the U.S. and directly manage his food retail and import enterprise.
  • Establish a bona fide U.S. business that was operational, sustainable, and job-creating.
  • Relocate with his spouse and two children under derivative E-2 status.
  • Demonstrate substantial investment and compliance with all E-2 requirements.

Our Approach

  1. Business Structuring:
    We assisted the client in forming a U.S. corporation, drafting bylaws, and setting up a dedicated business bank account. This provided a compliant foundation for his investment.
  2. Investment & Expenditures:
    The client invested $220,000 USD, which included leasing and renovating a retail space, securing supplier contracts for imported goods, purchasing equipment and inventory, and allocating funds toward initial payroll. We carefully documented the lawful source of funds and their transfer into the U.S.
  3. Business Plan Preparation:
    A five-year business plan was developed projecting consistent revenue growth and job creation. The plan highlighted the store’s dual model—retail operations and wholesale supply—to maximize profitability. Projections showed the creation of 7–8 U.S. jobs within three years.
  4. Application & Consular Guidance:
    The petition package included:
    • Detailed proof of substantial investment.
    • Lease agreements and vendor contracts with suppliers from both Vietnam and U.S. distributors.
    • Inventory receipts demonstrating that the business was ready to operate.
    • Evidence of the client’s business background and managerial expertise.
      We also conducted mock interview sessions to ensure he could clearly articulate his operational and financial strategy during his consular appointment.

Outcome

The client’s E-2 Visa was approved at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, with a five-year validity period under U.S.–Vietnam treaty reciprocity. Within months, the specialty grocery store opened successfully, attracted a strong customer base, and hired four U.S. employees in its first year. Plans are already in place to expand into online sales and wholesale distribution.

Key Takeaways

  • Food retail and import businesses are well-suited for E-2 approval if investment, inventory, and supplier relationships are properly documented.
  • A hybrid business model (retail plus wholesale) demonstrates scalability and job creation potential.
  • Consular officers place strong weight on operational readiness and evidence of lawful funding.

Conclusion

This case underscores Global Immigration Partners PLLC’s ability to help entrepreneurs from Vietnam successfully establish themselves in the U.S. under the E-2 Visa program. By combining thorough legal preparation with strategic business planning, we enabled our client to launch a thriving specialty food enterprise, benefitting both his family and the local economy.

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author avatar
Alexander Jovy - Senior Immigration Expert
Article Written by Alexander Jovy, Co-Managing Partner at Global Immigration Partners. Senior immigration expert with 15+ years in business and investor visas.