The four routes
- E-2 Treaty Investor — for nationals of treaty countries who invest in and run a business here. No fixed minimum and renewable indefinitely, but temporary, and it does not lead to a green card by itself.
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor — a green card for you, your spouse and your children under 21, in exchange for a statutory level of investment that creates ten jobs. Open to any nationality.
- L-1A Intracompany Manager or Executive — for owners and senior managers of an existing business abroad who open or expand a related office here. Allows you to pursue a green card while in status.
- EB-1C Multinational Executive — a green card for the manager or executive of a multinational company, often the next step after an L-1A. No labor certification.
The questions that decide it
- Your nationality — E-2 is only open to nationals of treaty countries. Many of our Mandarin-speaking clients are not eligible for it and look at EB-5 or L-1A instead.
- How much you can invest, and where it came from — every route that depends on capital requires you to trace it to a lawful source. The documentation of that path is often the largest single piece of work.
- Whether you want to run a business or to immigrate — E-2, L-1A and a direct EB-5 investment mean running a real business. A regional-centre EB-5 investment is passive.
- Whether you want a green card — if permanent residence is the goal, we plan for it from the start, rather than choosing a temporary visa and discovering the limits later.
- Your children's ages — a child's derivative status generally ends at 21. For a family with teenagers, timing can decide the route.
Working with your other advisers
Investment immigration is never only an immigration question. The structure of the company, the business plan, the tax consequences of becoming a United States resident, and the banking trail all interact. We work alongside your accountant, corporate counsel and financial advisers, and we tell you early when you need one you do not yet have. We do not give tax advice.
Questions we are asked about this
Which route is fastest?
It depends on your nationality and on processing at the time. E-2 at a consulate is often quickest for treaty nationals; EB-5 timing depends heavily on country of birth and visa availability. We give you a realistic range once we know your facts.
Do you work with investors outside the United States?
Yes — most of our investor clients start the process from abroad. Immigration law is federal, so we can represent you wherever you will settle in the United States, and we work in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.