Investment Visa Options for Entrepreneurs and Investors in the United States: E-2, L-1A & EB-5

The United States of America is a land of opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses and build a prosperous future. 

If you are a foreign investor or an entrepreneur intending to establish your business in the United States, you have plenty of options for eventually becoming a permanent resident and a U.S. citizen.

Several visa options are available, whether you are seeking to expand an existing enterprise, start a new business, or make a significant investment in the U.S. economy. As a work immigration attorney, we suggest three popular investment-related visa categories that include the following:

1. E-2 Visa
2. L-1A Visa
3. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Understanding these options can help you choose the right path for your business and immigration goals.

E-2 Visa: Investing in a U.S. Business

The E-2 visa allows foreign nationals from treaty countries to invest substantially in a U.S. business. This visa offers flexibility for business owners who wish to manage their enterprises actively in the United States.

Key Benefits of the E-2 Visa

The E-2 visa provides several advantages for investors looking to establish and manage a business in the U.S. Here are some key benefits:

• Allows an investor to live and work in the U.S. while managing their business.
• It can be renewed indefinitely if the business remains operational and profitable.
• Spouses and dependents can accompany the investor and may be eligible for work authorization.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for the E-2 visa include the following:

• The applicant must be a national of an E-2 treaty country.
• A substantial investment (typically over $100,000) must be made in a U.S. business.
• The business must be active and generate employment opportunities.

Note: The additional requirements may vary accordingly.

L-1A Visa: Expanding Your Business to the U.S.

The L-1A visa is designed for multinational executives and managers who want to expand their existing foreign business into the United States. It allows a company to transfer key personnel to establish or manage a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

Key Benefits of the L-1A Visa

The L-1A visa has significant advantages, some of which are:

• Enables business owners and executives to work in the U.S. legally.
• Offers a direct path to an EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers.
• Spouses can apply for work authorization.

Eligibility Requirements

To obtain the L-1A visa, the eligibility requirements include:

• The applicant must have worked for the foreign company for at least one year in the past three years.
• The U.S. entity must be a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the foreign business.
• The applicant must be in an executive or managerial role.

EB-5 Visa: Permanent Residency Through Investment

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a direct route to obtaining a Green Card through a substantial financial investment in the United States. This visa category is ideal for investors seeking permanent residency in the U.S.

Key Benefits of the EB-5 Visa

The essential benefits you get by obtaining the EB-5 visa include:

• It provides a Green Card for the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21.
• There is no requirement to manage day-to-day business operations.
• Offers a path to U.S. citizenship after five years.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this, the applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million in other areas.
• The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
• Funds must be lawfully sourced.

Which Investment Visa is Right for You?

Choosing the right visa depends on your investment goals, business structure, and long-term immigration plans. Consider the following:

• The E-2 visa is a good option if you want to actively run a business with a lower investment.
• If you are expanding an existing business and need to transfer executives, the L-1A visa is the best fit.
• If you are looking for a direct path to permanent residency, the EB-5 visa is ideal.

However, we are here to assist you if you cannot decide on the right visa!

Get Expert Immigration Assistance

Navigating U.S. immigration laws can be complex. Consulting an experienced immigration attorney can help streamline the process and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

If you are ready to explore investment visa options in the USA, seek guidance from a trusted legal professional to support you through every step of your immigration journey.

Contact a Professional Today

At Christine Nsajja Law Firm, we have extensive experience helping clients determine the best options for investors and entrepreneurs. We provide personalized legal guidance to ensure a smooth and successful process.

📞 Contact Us Today if you are looking for an investor and business immigration attorney. Email us at [email protected] or use this link to schedule a consultation directly.