What if you were told that you can immigrate to the United States with a franchise? This story begins with a question that many people ask themselves: what if I go to live in the United States with my own business? That’s what Héctor and Fabiola set out to do, a couple of architects from Mexico City who decided to transform their lives by investing in a Richard’s Painting franchise. Both had stable jobs — Hector even led construction projects at Walmart — but they had long dreamed of moving to the United States. With the support of Interlink Franchise & Business Consulting, that desire was transformed into a real plan with concrete results.
They tried first through Canada, but encountered many bureaucratic obstacles. So, they decided to look for another alternative. This is how they discovered that investing in a franchise in the United States could be a concrete and profitable way to migrate legally with a business in operation. Join us on this tour to find out how they did it by acquiring a Richard’s Painting franchise, and how you can do it yourself:
From Searching for Properties to Investing in a Franchise in the United States
At first, his idea was to invest in a property to rent out. But when they learned about Interlink and the franchise model, they understood that there was a better alternative than Real Estate: investing in a franchise and running their own business.
At first they hesitated. Like many, they thought they could start on their own. Héctor commented that he knew about painting and construction, and did not see the need to pay for a franchise. However, they soon understood the true value.
“I didn’t know how to sell myself in the United States. I had no idea about marketing, about generating customers. The franchise gave us all that. He gave us structure, tools, and accompaniment.” — Hector
Advantages of investing in a franchise in the United States
Beyond using a brand name, acquiring a franchise in the United States means accessing a validated business model , with processes, systems and continuous support that guarantee the sustainability and expansion of the business.
Benefits of a franchise in the United States:
- Comprehensive training, even if you have no previous experience.
- Marketing and lead generation support.
- Access to systems, technology, CRM, and national suppliers.
- Constant support from the franchisor and its team.
- It strengthens the investor visa application, as it is a proven and structured model.
Why They Chose the Richard’s Painting Franchise
After analyzing a dozen options with Interlink, Hector and Fabiola chose Richard’s Painting, a residential and commercial painting franchise based in North Carolina.
The reasons why they made this decision:
- Affordable initial investment.
- Flexible model with outsourcing, ideal to start without many employees.
- Real accompaniment and humane treatment by the CEO.
- Freedom to learn and handle marketing with the support of the franchisor.
- Clear structure and reasonable operating costs.
“We wanted to be in control of the business and learn how to grow it. Richard’s Painting offered us that possibility, plus the support of a committed team.” — Hector
Richard’s Painting is currently one of the most recommended painting franchises for Hispanics who want to invest in the United States. Its flexible model, accessible investment and human support make it one of the most attractive options for those looking to start a business with solid foundations.
How much does it cost to invest in a franchise in the U.S.
Although many people believe that large sums of money are needed, the reality is different. In this case, the total investment was approximately $115,000, distributed as follows:
- Franchise fee: $70,000 for two territories.
- Operating capital: about $45,000 for tools, marketing, and living expenses for the first few months.
It is advisable to have a reserve to live between six and ten months without depending on the income of the business, since the return is not immediate.
This franchise is part of the group of profitable franchises in the United States that require a moderate investment, ideal for Hispanic investors.
This was the step by step of his complete process
This was the real journey that Héctor and Fabiola followed with the accompaniment of Interlink:
- August 2024: initial contact and profile analysis.
- September – October: Franchise exploration and validation.
- December: Signing of the contract with Richard’s Painting.
- January 2025: In-person training in North Carolina.
- February: consular interview and investor visa approval.
- March: First contract executed in San Antonio for $10,000.
The most remarkable thing is that, just a month after finishing the training, they were already working on their first real project.
Process for obtaining an investor visa
One of the most important stages was obtaining the E-2 visa. Although at the beginning it generated some uncertainty, the process was faster and simpler than they expected.
Process Details:
- Preparation of documentation with your immigration lawyer.
- Sending the file to the consulate in Mexico.
- Interview assignment within six weeks.
- Brief interview and immediate approval.
“I was surprised that the interview lasted only five minutes. The officer was cordial, and since we had already invested and had the business going, everything flowed naturally.” — Fabiola
They also highlighted that having knowledge of English was decisive, since the operation of the business, training, and interaction with customers and suppliers requires the language.
Is a single franchise enough to sustain itself economically?
Yes, but it is important to note that the first few months are not profitable and financial planning is required. In their case, they had savings to cover their living expenses while the business began to generate income.
In addition, the cost of living in Texas, although more affordable than other states, is still higher than in Mexico in areas such as food, services and property.
Accompaniment: a determining factor
One of the aspects they valued the most was the human support they received throughout the process. From the choice of the franchise to the installation in the United States, Interlink accompanied them step by step.
- Advice on the analysis of franchises.
- Contact with other franchisees to validate the decision.
- Network of allies: immigration lawyer, real estate advisor, bank, agency, among others.
- Emotional support and personalized follow-up.
“At all times we felt that we had a team behind us. It’s not just a consultancy, it’s a network that accompanies you at every stage.” — Hector
Are you considering investing in a franchise? Train yourself before you decide
Interlink offers courses and digital tools designed for people interested in investing in a franchise in the United States and applying for an investor visa.
What you’ll learn
- How to avoid scams and common mistakes.
- What industries are booming today.
- How to analyze a franchise agreement.
- What a well-made investor visa application needs.
Click here to learn about the next edition: LIVE AND ON-DEMAND COURSES
Investing in a franchise is a real way to immigrate to the USA
Héctor and Fabiola are an example that investing in franchising is not only a viable option, but a concrete way to transform your life. With the right guidance, prior education and clear planning, they managed to establish themselves legally, undertake and improve their quality of life.
This is not an isolated case. More and more people are taking the same path.
And you… are you ready to take the first step? Train yourself, get informed, and build your own project in the United States. Schedule a free consultation with our team NOW.
