Visa · Renewable
E-2
Invest in and run a U.S. business you own. For nationals of treaty countries, and renewable while the business continues to qualify.
- TypeTemporary visa
- Self-petitionYes
- Typical timeline~2 to 4 months
E-2 · L-1A · EB-5
Bring your
business to the U.S.
E-2, L-1A, and EB-5 help founders, executives, and investors move a business to the U.S., or invest toward a Green Card. They work very differently. Here is each one in plain terms.
A free evaluation with the Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick tells you which route fits. PassRight guides the process; the legal advice is theirs.
The three routes
Invest, transfer, or expand.
A quick look at what each route is for. Open any card for the full breakdown, including how USCIS weighs it.
Visa · Up to 7 years
L-1A
Transfer a manager or executive from your company abroad to a U.S. office. Your company files, and L-1A can later support an EB-1C Green Card petition if you meet the EB-1C requirements.
- TypeTemporary visa
- Self-petitionNo
- Typical timeline~2 to 6 months
Green Card · Permanent
EB-5
Invest directly in a U.S. business or through a regional center project, and self-petition for a Green Card. No employer or job offer needed.
- TypeGreen Card
- Self-petitionYes
- Typical timelineVaries by country
Side by side
E-2 vs. L-1A vs. EB-5
Everything people ask about, grouped so you can jump to what matters. These three routes work very differently.
Show:
| E-2Visa | L-1AVisa | EB-5Green Card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The basics | |||
| Type | Temporary visa | Temporary visa | Green Card |
| What the petition focuses on | A substantial, at-risk investment in a real U.S. business you own and actively run. | A qualifying link between your company abroad and the U.S. office, plus a year abroad as a manager or executive. | An at-risk investment from lawful funds that creates at least 10 U.S. jobs. |
| Self-petition | Yes, the investor files | No, the company files | Yes, the investor files |
| Nationality requirement | Treaty country only | None | None |
| Path to Green Card | A separate step; not a direct path | A separate step, usually EB-1C | It is the Green Card |
| Investment and jobs | |||
| Minimum investment | No fixed minimum; must be substantial relative to the cost of the business | None personally; the company must show it can support the new office | $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000* |
| Jobs and staffing | Business must be more than marginal, so it supports more than your own income | You manage staff or a key function; the U.S. office needs employees to manage | At least 10 full-time U.S. jobs; regional center projects may count indirect jobs for up to 90% of that requirement |
| Your role | Own at least 50% or otherwise control the business, and direct it | Manager or executive | Direct investor or limited partner in a regional center project |
| Timeline and duration | |||
| Typical timeline* | ~2 to 4 months | ~2 to 6 months | Varies by country of birth |
| Duration and renewal | 2-year terms, renewable while the business runs | Up to 7 years total | Permanent (conditional first) |
| Premium processing | 15 business days (I-129, in the U.S.) | 15 business days (I-129, in the U.S.) | Not available |
| Filing process | Usually at the U.S. embassy (DS-160). Sometimes with USCIS first (I-129), then the embassy. | With USCIS (I-129), then the visa at the U.S. embassy | I-526E, then a Green Card in the U.S. (I-485) or an immigrant visa at the embassy, then I-829 |
| Family | |||
| Spouse and work | Spouse can work | Spouse (L-2) can work | Green Card; can work |
| Dual intent | No; nonimmigrant intent | Yes | N/A, immigrant path |
General information only, not legal advice. *EB-5 investment amounts are set by statute and adjust for inflation on January 1, 2027. Timelines depend on your country of birth and the visa bulletin; USCIS sets processing times. What applies to your case is confirmed for you by the Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick after your free evaluation. Past outcomes do not guarantee future ones.
Common questions
The things founders ask most.
E-2 and L-1A are temporary work visas; EB-5 is the Green Card. The E-2 can be renewed indefinitely while your business operates, but it is not permanent residence on its own. L-1A can later lead to an EB-1C Green Card if you meet the EB-1C requirements. The Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick can map the right path for you.
Yes. The E-2 is only for nationals of countries that hold a qualifying treaty with the U.S., about 80 countries. L-1A and EB-5 have no nationality requirement. The firm confirms whether your nationality qualifies.
Your E-2 status is tied to the specific business your visa is based on, so your work should be for that enterprise, not for outside or unrelated employers. If you own more than one business, whether they can sit under the same E-2 structure depends on how they are set up, which the Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick reviews for you.
As of 2026, $800,000 for a project in a targeted employment area or qualifying infrastructure, or $1,050,000 elsewhere, plus creating at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs. These amounts are set by statute and adjust for inflation on January 1, 2027. The firm confirms what applies to your case.
The E-2 is about your investment: you put substantial capital into a U.S. business you own and run, and you must be from a treaty country. The L-1A is about your company: it transfers a manager or executive from a related company abroad to a U.S. office, with no personal investment. The firm helps you see which one fits.
Yes on all three. Spouses on the E-2 and L-1A are generally allowed to work, and children under 21 can join as dependents. On EB-5, your spouse and children receive Green Cards. The firm walks through your family's specifics.
Free evaluation
Not sure which route fits your business?
That is the whole point of the call.
Send us your situation and the Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick will tell you honestly which route, E-2, L-1A, or EB-5, makes sense for you, before you commit to anything.