Eco-Friendly Egyptian Entrepreneur Secures E2 in 2 Weeks

Background

When our client, Salma, approached us, she wanted to extend her current E2 visa. She is a successful entrepreneur in the U.S. She owns 100% of her dry cleaning business, serving as the general manager. After years in the making, she made her company reputable in the service industry world. Her company had not only proven to be economically advantageous but also became a valuable factor to the local economy, as it created jobs, generated consistent revenue, and offered eco-friendly services.

Salma’s business operated with a strong environmental focus, where they only used eco-friendly products and non-toxic equipment. This approach to sustainability set Salma apart from the traditionally high-waste industry. She had many investors, and she was committed to growing the business with a long-term vision.

As her E2 visa validity was approaching its expiration, she needed to apply for an extension in time.

Case

Our team took over at this point, as we had to work on a tight turnaround. Salma’s business was undergoing a phase of expansion, where she was scaling operations to serve underserved communities, as well as extending services to hospitals, hotels, and medical facilities. This growth required her physical presence in the U.S.

We explained that Salma played a huge role in:

• Leading the long-term business goals and revenue streams
• Managing the marketing strategies
• Negotiating business contracts
• Managing employees
• Conducting an analysis of market competitors to improve their own services

For E2 visa holders seeking an extension, it’s not just about proving you met the original criteria, it’s also about proving why your continued stay is essential for the enterprise. In Salma’s case, she didn’t just meet the bare minimum requirements for an E2 visa, she exceeded them:

1. She is a national of Egypt, and Egypt is a treaty country
2. She had 100% full ownership and control of the company
3. She invested personal funds into the enterprise
4. The company made an impact on the local economy
5. She continued to direct the business from an executive level
6. She had the intention of returning to her home country after her E2 visa expired

Our team compiled a detailed and strategic petition, carefully outlining the reasons for Salma’s extension. We included her previous E2 approval notices, biographical information for herself and her family, a renewed treaty investor statement of intent, tax information, client contracts, and evidence of environmental and social contributions, on top of Salma’s biographical information.

Verdict

After 2 weeks of filing, USCIS approved Salma’s E2 extension without issuing any Request for Evidence (RFE). The approval came quickly, showing the strength of the application and the importance of Salma’s continued presence in the U.S.

How VisaNation Helped

Our team worked closely with Salam to build a compelling and thoroughly documented case. While many assume E2 extensions are simply to obtain, the truth is that each extension must be justified with updated and sufficient evidence. USCIS will deny extensions if the applicant cannot show why additional time is necessary for business operations in the U.S., and denials happen more often than many realize. At VisaNation, we help articulate how businesses evolve and align with economic growth, job creation, and innovation within the U.S. We highlighted not just her eligibility but her impact. Contact us today to discuss your questions about your visa extension.