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Invest & Build

Build your business. Understand your options.

Opening a business, expanding an existing company, and investing for permanent residence are different goals. Use your actual business plans to guide the visa conversation.

YOUR PLANS, EXPLAINED SIMPLY

The business plan comes first.

Owning a U.S. company does not by itself give you permission to live or work in the country. Review immigration requirements before committing funds.

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EXPLORE YOUR SITUATION

Different plans. Different requirements.

03 routes explained
01E-2

I want to buy or start a business and run it myself.

For qualifying treaty-country nationals investing substantial capital in a real operating enterprise that they will develop and direct.

What to check

Your citizenship matters. There is no single dollar amount that makes every business qualify, and the investment must meet the category’s rules.

Bring to the conversationThe business model, ownership, operating costs, committed funds, and source of money.

Read the E-2 guide
02L-1

I run an overseas company and want a U.S. operation.

For a qualifying transfer between related businesses. L-1A concerns managers and executives; L-1B concerns specialized knowledge.

What to check

Creating a U.S. company alone is not enough. Your overseas employment and the relationship between the businesses must qualify.

Bring to the conversationCompany records, your overseas role and dates, and the U.S. expansion plan.

Read the L-1 guide
03EB-5

My goal is permanent residence through a qualifying investment.

This route ties an investment to requirements that include creating at least 10 qualifying full-time jobs. Eligible family members may also be included.

What to check

Investment thresholds and project requirements apply. Immigration approval and investment returns are not guaranteed.

Bring to the conversationEvidence of lawful funds, the proposed project, and a careful review of financial and immigration risks.

Read the EB-5 guide
BEFORE YOU SPEAK WITH SOMEONE

A few details make the advice more useful.

You can start with the basics. These questions help a professional understand what you need.

  1. Will you manage a business, expand a company, or invest in a project?
  2. Which citizenships do you hold?
  3. What funds are available, and where did they come from?
  4. Is your main aim temporary business activity or permanent residence?
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COMMON QUESTIONS
Can I get a visa just by buying a house?

A personal home purchase does not by itself establish an E-2 or EB-5 case. These routes have business or job-creation requirements.

Does E-2 turn into EB-5 later?

No automatic conversion exists. A later EB-5 case must independently meet its requirements; discuss the longer-term plan before investing.

This is general information, not a decision about your eligibility. Requirements and procedures can change. A licensed attorney or accredited representative can review your circumstances.

Go deeper with official information

Check the government guidance when planning your next step.

Treaty investor rules ↗Company transfers ↗EB-5 program ↗

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