At Berardi Immigration Law, we take pride in helping established businesses successfully expand into the United States through strategic immigration planning. In a recent matter, we assisted a long-standing Canadian manufacturing company in securing E-2 visa approval to launch a fully operational U.S. production facility and better serve its growing American customer base.
A Legacy of Manufacturing Excellence
Our client is a well-established Canadian company specializing in precision metal fabrication and advanced manufacturing solutions. With decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, custom-engineered components across a range of industries, including industrial manufacturing, construction, and commercial applications.
With consistent growth and a proven track record, the company identified a strategic opportunity to expand into the U.S. market to better support its North American clients.
Strategic Expansion into the United States
To support this expansion, the company established a new U.S. entity and selected a location near the U.S.–Canada border to facilitate operational alignment with its Canadian headquarters.
Rather than acquiring an existing business, the client chose to build a new manufacturing operation from the ground up. This included leasing and renovating a large industrial facility and investing in the infrastructure required to support production.
This expansion allows the company to:
- Reduce lead times for U.S. customers
- Minimize cross-border logistics costs
- Strengthen supply chain reliability
- Meet demand for U.S.-based manufacturing
Substantial Investment in U.S. Operations
The company made a substantial investment to establish its U.S. operations. The investment was allocated across equipment, facility setup, operational infrastructure, and business development.
Key expenditures included:
- Equipment and Machinery: Relocation and upgrade of specialized manufacturing equipment, along with the purchase of material handling systems
- Facility and Operations: Lease payments, improvements, and buildout of a fully operational manufacturing space
- Inventory and Supplies: Raw materials, tooling, and production-related supplies
- Professional and Legal Services: Corporate formation, compliance costs, and workforce recruitment
- Technology and Administrative Support: Investment in production management, accounting systems, and office infrastructure
These expenditures demonstrated that the investment was fully committed and at risk, satisfying a core requirement of the E-2 visa program.
Clear and Documented Source of Funds
A key strength of the case was the clear and well-documented source of funds. The investment originated from the retained earnings of the Canadian parent company, which has shown consistent financial performance over many years.
We worked closely with the client to clearly document:
- The accumulation of capital through business operations
- The transfer of funds to the U.S. entity
- The use of those funds to support business startup and operations
This comprehensive financial narrative supported a strong and credible E-2 petition.
A Bona Fide, Non-Marginal U.S. Enterprise
The U.S. company was established as a bona fide, actively operating enterprise with strong commercial viability. At the time of filing, the business had already secured a large industrial facility and positioned itself for immediate production.
The company demonstrated:
- Established customer relationships, including long-term clients transitioning production to the U.S.
- Strong projected revenue, with substantial first-year financial forecasts
- Job creation potential, with plans to hire U.S.-based employees as operations expand
Over time, the company expects to build a meaningful U.S. workforce, contributing to the local economy and supporting sustainable growth.
From Expansion to Execution
This case highlights how an established Canadian manufacturer can successfully enter the U.S. market by leveraging its existing expertise, capital, and customer base. By localizing operations and aligning production with customer demand, the company positioned itself for immediate success.
Following E-2 visa approval, the company’s leadership is now able to oversee U.S. operations, manage production, and execute its expansion strategy in real time.
E-2 Visa Success for Manufacturing Companies Is Possible
This E-2 visa success story demonstrates how manufacturing companies can expand into the United States through strategic planning, substantial investment, and careful documentation. By building a new U.S. operation supported by a strong foreign business, our client established a solid foundation for long-term success.
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 help make your expansion as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your next step.
