At Berardi Immigration Law, we are proud to support design professionals and entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses across borders. In a recent matter, we assisted a well-established Canadian interior design firm in securing E-2 visa approval to expand its operations into the United States and establish a strategic presence in a key growth market.
A Full-Service Design Firm with North American Reach
Our client operates a full-service interior design firm with a strong track record of delivering high-quality design solutions across residential, commercial, and healthcare environments. The company provides end-to-end services, including conceptual design, space planning, technical drawings, permitting coordination, and construction oversight.
With a multidisciplinary team and an established reputation for professional, client-focused design, the company has successfully completed a wide range of projects throughout North America.
Recognizing increasing demand for specialized design services in the United States, particularly in healthcare and multi-level residential sectors, the firm identified a strategic opportunity to expand its footprint.
Establishing a Strategic U.S. Presence
To support this growth, the company formed a U.S. affiliate and established operations in South Florida. This location was selected to provide access to a growing client base and to support expansion in high-demand design markets.
Rather than starting from scratch, the U.S. entity was structured as a natural extension of the successful Canadian business. This allowed the company to leverage its existing expertise, operational systems, and reputation when entering the U.S. market.
The U.S. office now serves as a hub for client engagement, project delivery, and business development in the region.
Substantial Investment in U.S. Operations
The company made a substantial investment to establish its U.S. operations, demonstrating a clear commitment to long-term growth. This investment was thoughtfully allocated across critical business functions to ensure operational readiness from day one.
Key investments included:
- Legal and Professional Services: Corporate formation, E-2 visa preparation, and compliance-related advisory services
- Office Lease and Setup: Securing a commercial office space and prepaying lease obligations to establish a permanent business presence
- Technology and Software: Investment in design software, business management systems, and communication tools to support both in-office and remote work
- Business Development and Marketing: Participation in industry events, professional memberships, and marketing initiatives to build brand awareness and client relationships
- Operational and Travel Expenses: Costs associated with site visits, client meetings, and ongoing business operations
Additionally, a direct capital infusion from the Canadian parent company provided immediate working capital to support payroll, operations, and business development efforts in the United States.
Well-Documented Source of Funds
A key strength of this case was the clear and traceable source of investment funds. The capital originated from the profits and earnings of the Canadian parent company, which has demonstrated consistent revenue and financial stability.
We worked closely with the client to document:
- The accumulation of earnings through the Canadian business
- The transfer of funds to the U.S. entity
- The use of those funds to support startup and operational expenses
This comprehensive documentation confirmed that the investment was lawful, fully committed, and at risk, satisfying a central requirement of the E-2 visa program.
A Bona Fide, Non-Marginal U.S. Business
The U.S. company was established as a bona fide, actively operating enterprise with strong growth potential. At the time of filing, the company had already secured a physical office and established a presence in the U.S. market.
Importantly, the business demonstrated:
- An expanding U.S. client base, with active and ongoing projects
- Strong revenue projections, with consistent growth anticipated over the coming years
- Job creation potential, with plans to hire U.S.-based professionals as the business scales
These factors clearly established that the enterprise is not marginal and is expected to contribute meaningfully to the U.S. economy.
Positioned for Continued Growth
This case highlights how an established design firm can successfully expand into the United States by leveraging its existing expertise and building a strategic local presence. By aligning its services with market demand and investing in infrastructure, technology, and business development, the client positioned itself for immediate and sustained success.
With E-2 visa approval, the company’s leadership is now able to oversee U.S. operations, manage projects, and continue expanding its client base.
E-2 Visa Success for Service-Based Businesses
This E-2 visa success story demonstrates that service-based businesses, including interior design firms, can successfully expand into the United States with the right structure, investment, and documentation. By building a U.S. affiliate supported by a strong foreign business, our client established a solid foundation for long-term growth.
If you are considering expanding your business into the United States through the E-2 visa program, Berardi Immigration Law is here to help. Our team provides clear, strategic guidance to support a smooth and successful expansion.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your U.S. growth strategy.