The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that allows nationals of specific treaty countries to enter the U.S. to direct and develop a commercial enterprise in which they have invested a substantial amount of at-risk capital.

The E-2 is a temporary nonimmigrant visa requiring "substantial" investment and treaty nationality. The EB-5 is an immigrant visa (Green Card) available to all nationalities, requiring a statutorily mandated high capital minimum and the creation of 10 U.S. jobs.

An L-1A visa is for executives or managers who have worked continuously for a qualifying foreign company for at least one year within the past three years, and who are transferring to a U.S. parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary.

The NIW allows foreign professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability to bypass the standard U.S. employer sponsorship and labor certification process by proving their work is in the national interest of the United States.

Yes. E-2 visas are frequently utilized by Science, Technology, and STEM founders, provided they meet treaty nationality requirements and have committed substantial at-risk capital to their U.S. operations.

No, not directly. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa. However, E-2 investors frequently transition to immigrant visas like the EB-2 NIW or EB-5 if they meet the distinct statutory requirements of those categories.

An L-1A for executives/managers can be extended up to a maximum of 7 years. An L-1B for specialized knowledge workers can be extended up to a maximum of 5 years. "New office" L-1 visas are initially granted for just one year.

Under current regulations, the standard minimum EB-5 investment is $1,050,000. This amount is reduced to $800,000 if the investment is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or qualifies as an infrastructure project.

Yes. If you are lawfully present in the U.S. in nonimmigrant status, you can file a Change of Status petition with USCIS. However, this grants status, not a travel visa. If you depart the U.S., you must apply for a visa at a consulate to return.

It is the strict legal requirement to prove exactly how you acquired your investment capital (e.g., business income, property sale, lawful family loan) to ensure the money was not derived from illicit activities or money laundering.

Yes. Spouses of E-2 and L-1 principal visa holders are granted dependent status that includes employment authorization incident to status, allowing them to work for any employer in the United States.

A compliant business plan (pursuant to Matter of Ho standards for EB-5, or general E-2/L-1 requirements) must be comprehensive, containing verifiable market analysis, financial projections, competitive strategy, and a detailed hiring timetable.

Yes. An L-1B visa is specifically for employees who possess special knowledge of the company's products, services, research, equipment, techniques, or proprietary methodologies that are not readily available in the U.S. labor market.

Applicants must prove: 1) Their proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance; 2) They are well-positioned to advance the endeavor; and 3) It is beneficial to the U.S. to waive the standard job offer and labor certification requirements.

No. The defining feature of the National Interest Waiver is that it waives the requirement of a U.S. employer sponsor and the PERM labor certification, allowing qualified entrepreneurs and professionals to self-petition.

Yes. The L-1 is a recognized "dual intent" visa. This means you can lawfully enter the U.S. on a temporary L-1 visa while simultaneously intending to apply for lawful permanent residency (such as through an EB-1C petition).

For an additional government fee, USCIS guarantees adjudication within 15 calendar days (or 45 days for NIW) for eligible petitions like E-2 change of status, L-1, and EB-2 NIW. It accelerates the processing timeline, but does not guarantee approval.