Gas stations are everywhere. They’re at every major intersection, off nearly every highway exit, and open at all hours. For many E-2 visa investors, they seem like the ideal business: simple, steady, and essential. Everyone needs gas, and cars are always on the road.
The business looks straightforward. Customers pull in, fill up, grab a snack at the convenience store, and go. It has a visible demand, and on the surface, feels like a safe bet, especially for an investor looking for something tangible and well-established.
But once you look beyond the pumps and signage, the picture starts changing. The gas station industry is facing new pressures from evolving technology, tighter regulations, and shifting market conditions that many first-time investors do not anticipate.
In this article, part of our Good, the Bad, and the Ugly series, we explore whether gas stations still deliver on their promise as a solid E-2 visa investment or if the risks lurking under the hood are too big to ignore.
The Good — Why Gas Stations Still Attract E-2 Investors
At first glance, gas stations check a lot of boxes for E-2 visa investors. They offer visibility, daily foot traffic, and multiple revenue streams. Unlike service-based businesses that may take time to build a client base, a gas station comes with built-in demand. Drivers need fuel, and convenience is hard to compete with.
One of the key appeals is diversification. Most gas stations generate revenue from more than just fuel. Inside the convenience store, items like snacks, tobacco, lottery tickets, and beverages often carry higher margins than gasoline itself. In some locations, there is also income from car washes, propane, ATMs, and food service counters.
Despite growing attention to clean energy, the U.S. gasoline market continues to be resilient. According to Technavio, gasoline demand is projected to grow by approximately 258 million liters between 2023 and 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2 percent. This suggests that fuel demand in the near term will remain stable, particularly in regions where electronic vehicle (EV) adoption is slower or infrastructure is still developing.
Franchise branding adds another layer of confidence. Partnering with a name like Shell, Chevron, or BP gives the business credibility, which can be especially important when preparing a visa petition. These brands often provide supply contracts, basic training, and access to nationwide systems. That kind of support helps first-time U.S. business owners navigate the learning curve faster.
From an E-2 visa standpoint, gas stations often meet key requirements. The total investment usually exceeds the substantial threshold, the business is real and operating, and it requires active involvement from the owner. On paper, it looks like a strong candidate for approval.
The Bad — The Operational and Financial Reality
Gas stations might seem like straightforward businesses, but many E-2 investors quickly realize they are more demanding than expected.
Fuel brings in traffic, but not much profit. According to data from digital guest engagement platform Paytronix, most gas stations in the U.S. earn less than 2 percent profit on fuel sales. Even the biggest players deal with this issue. Alimentation Couche-Tard, which owns thousands of gas stations in North America, reports just over $0.47 per gallon in gross profit in the U.S. That’s before covering rent, wages, repairs, or other operating costs.
Location makes a big difference. A station in a busy area near highways or major intersections might do well. But a site in a low-traffic neighborhood could struggle to attract enough customers to stay profitable. Small differences in visibility, traffic flow, or nearby competition can have a big impact.
Staffing is a constant challenge. Many stations are open long hours or around the clock. Hiring for night shifts, weekends, or early mornings is tough, and employee turnover is high. Owners often find themselves stepping in to keep the business running, especially when short-staffed.
There are strict rules to follow. Gas stations must follow safety and environmental laws. That includes managing underground fuel tanks, keeping up with inspections, and making sure the property meets local and state requirements. Falling behind can lead to expensive fines or even temporary closures.
The retail side adds more to manage. Most of the profits come from the convenience store, not fuel. But selling snacks, drinks, and cigarettes means dealing with inventory, restocking, theft, and spoiled products. Without good systems in place, small losses can add up fast.
What looks like a simple gas-and-go business is actually a busy retail operation with tight profits, long hours, and a lot of moving parts to monitor.
The Ugly — Deep Risks That Can Undermine Your Investment
Gas stations face serious safety and crime risks. According to CSP Daily News, gas stations and convenience stores were the fourth most common location for violent crime in the United States in 2020. Combined, they accounted for nearly 6 percent of all violent incidents, including more than 14,700 incidents at gas stations and over 22,800 at convenience stores. For owners, this means not only safety concerns but also higher insurance costs and the need for added security like reinforced glass, cameras, and alarm systems.
Electric vehicle infrastructure is expanding quickly. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center reports that the number of public EV charging ports grew from about 19,000 in 2017 to more than 64,000 by 2023. Charging stations are being installed not only in cities but also along highways and in suburbs. This shift is changing customer behavior. A gas station that does not offer EV charging may lose relevance as more drivers make the switch.
Upgrading is costly and not always possible. Installing Level 3 fast chargers typically costs between $30,000 and $150,000 per unit, depending on site conditions, electrical upgrades, and permitting requirements, according to GreenLancer. Many existing gas stations do not have the space, infrastructure, or zoning approval to support those upgrades. Without the ability to modernize, these sites may fall behind.
Environmental liability is a serious risk. Underground fuel tanks can corrode and leak over time. Cleanup costs for soil and groundwater contamination are costly. If you purchase a property without a recent environmental inspection, you could be responsible for past damage that was never addressed.
Selling the business can be difficult. Franchise and fuel supply agreements may include restrictions on how and to whom you can sell the business. If the location is outdated or requires significant investment, it may be hard to attract serious buyers or recover your initial investment.
Conclusion — Is a Gas Station Still Worth It for Your E-2 Visa?
A gas station can still work as an E-2 visa business, but only under the right conditions. If the location has strong traffic, the convenience store brings in steady sales, and the property has room to evolve with changing market demands, it can provide a reliable path to both income and immigration.
But this is not a set-it-and-forget-it investment. Fuel margins are slim, crime risks are real, and the industry is moving toward electrification. What looks like a stable business model can quickly become outdated or more demanding than expected.
Success depends on due diligence, long-term thinking, and buying a station that makes sense not just today but in the years ahead.
Ready to Evaluate Your Options?
If you’re considering a gas station for your E-2 visa, we can help you assess the risks and opportunities before you invest.
We work with international entrepreneurs to find U.S. businesses that are profitable, scalable, and visa-compliant. Schedule a consultation to get clear, honest feedback about your investment strategy.
- CSP Daily News – C-Stores Are 4th Most Common Location for Violent Crime
https://www.cspdailynews.com/company-news/c-stores-are-4th-most-common-location-violent-crime - U.S. Department of Energy, AFDC Data Table 10962 – Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
https://afdc.energy.gov/data/10962 - GreenLancer – Guide to Commercial EV Charging Station Costs
https://www.greenlancer.com/post/guide-commercial-electric-vehicle-charging-stations - Paytronix – How Much Does a Gas Station Owner Make?
https://www.paytronix.com/blog/how-much-does-a-gas-station-owner-make - Technavio – U.S. Gasoline Market Analysis 2023–2027
https://www.technavio.com/report/us-gasoline-market-analysis