US Investor & Entrepreneur Visas

Looking to invest in or start a business in the United States?

US Investor & Entrepreneur Visa Options Overview

Visa Category	Minimum Investment	Green Card Pathway?	Processing Time
EB-5 Immigrant Investor	$800K - $1.05M	Yes	5+ years (backlog)
E-2 Treaty Investor	Varies by business	No	2-6 months
L-1 Intracompany Transferee	N/A	Yes (via EB-1C)	1-12 months
O-1 Extraordinary Ability	N/A	Yes (via EB-1)	3-6 months

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Key Features

• Minimum investment:$800K (TEA) / $1.05M (non-TEA)
• New set-aside visas(20% rural, 10% high-unemployment, 2% infrastructure)
• Faster processingfor rural projects
• Backlog for China/India/Vietnam (5+ years wait)

Requirements:

• Invest in new commercial enterprise
• Create 10+ full-time US jobs
• Prove lawful source of funds
• File I-526E petition

Process:

• File I-526E ($3,675 fee)
• Apply for conditional Green Card
• File I-829 after 2 years to remove conditions

Processing Time:

• I-526E: 48+ months
• I-829: 36+ months

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

Key Features:

• Non-immigrant visa(renewable indefinitely)
• No minimum investment amount(must be "substantial")
• Must be from treaty country
• No direct Green Card path

Requirements:

• Invest substantial" amount(typically $200K+)
• Own at least 50%of business
• Develop viable, operating business
• File DS-160and attend consular interview

Processing Time:

• 2-6 months

L-1 Visa for Entrepreneurs

Two Types:

• L-1A(Managers/Executives) - Leads to EB-1C Green Card
• L-1B(Specialized Knowledge)

Requirements:

• Worked abroad for 1+ yearin parent/subsidiary/affiliate company
• Coming to US to open new officeor work in existing one
• New office must show growth potential

Processing Time:

• Regular: 6-12 months
• Premium Processing: 15 calendar days ($2,805)

O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Entrepreneurs

For:

• Founders with national/international recognition
• Startup founders with significant funding/traction

Requirements:

• Meet 3+ of 8 O-1 criteria(awards, media, patents, etc.)
• Have US business entity
• File I-129 petition

Processing Time:

• 3-6 months

Comparison: Which Visa is Right for You?**

Factor	EB-5	E-2	L-1	O-1
Investment Amount	$800K+	Flexible	None	None
Green Card Path	Yes	No	Yes (EB-1C)	Yes (EB-1)
Processing Time	5+ years	2-6 mo	1-12 mo	3-6 mo
Country Restrictions	None	Treaty	None	None