Welcome to your journey as an entrepreneur or investor in the United States
I’m Gabriela Urizar, an immigration attorney based in New York. If you’re reading this, you’re likely a business owner, investor, or executive exploring how to expand into the U.S. market or secure permanent residency through investment.
The opportunities are significant—but so are the risks if you navigate the process without the right information or guidance.
This guide is designed to give you practical, clear insights into the most common U.S. business and investor visas. My goal is to help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your investments, and feel confident about your next steps.
Let’s begin.
How to choose the right visa for your goals
E-2 visa – treaty investor
Ideal for entrepreneurs from treaty countries who want to invest in a new or existing U.S. business. You’ll need to show:
- A substantial investment in a real, operating business
- That your business can generate income above just supporting you and your family
- That you’re coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the business
Note: The E-2 visa doesn’t directly lead to a green card, but many investors later pursue other paths to permanent residency.
EB-5 visa – immigrant investor
Perfect for individuals ready to invest significant capital into the U.S. economy. Requirements include:
- Investing either $800,000 in a targeted employment area or $1,050,000 elsewhere
- Creating at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers
- Proving your investment funds come from lawful sources
The EB-5 offers a path directly to a green card and eventually U.S. citizenship.
L1-A visa – intracompany transferee executive or manager
Useful for business owners who want to expand an existing foreign company into the U.S. The L1-A allows you to:
- Transfer to manage a new U.S. office
- Qualify for a green card under the EB-1C category after establishing the business
Your business must prove it’s large enough to support an executive or managerial role.
National interest waiver (NIW)
A powerful option for entrepreneurs or professionals whose work benefits the United States significantly. The NIW allows you to:
- Apply for a green card without needing employer sponsorship
- Show that your business or project has substantial merit and national importance
This can be a strategic choice for founders whose work impacts public health, the economy, or key industries.
Pitfalls that could cost you time and money
Immigration for investors and entrepreneurs can be high stakes. Common mistakes include:
- Underestimating the level of documentation required
Business plans, financial projections, and corporate records must be thorough and well-prepared. - Choosing the wrong visa path
Each option has unique benefits and limitations. Picking the wrong route can waste months or even years. - Failing to prove lawful source of funds
Especially for EB-5 investors, you’ll need clear evidence of how your investment capital was earned. - Ignoring timelines and quotas
For example, EB-5 processing can be lengthy. Planning ahead is crucial. - Trying to do it alone
Even successful business owners often struggle with the legal complexities of U.S. immigration.
Key documents and financial proof needed
Depending on your visa type, you may need:
- A detailed business plan with financial projections
- Corporate records from your foreign and U.S. entities
- Personal and business tax returns
- Bank statements and proof of investment funds
- Organizational charts and employee records
- Contracts, leases, or other documents proving the business is real and operating
- Personal resume and evidence of your role as an executive or manager
The stronger and more organized your documents, the smoother your application process will be.
Investment thresholds and processing timelines
E-2 visa
- No set minimum, but typically at least $100,000 is recommended
- Processing often takes 2-3 months
- Renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains viable
EB-5 visa
- Minimum investment of $800,000 in a targeted area, or $1,050,000 elsewhere
- Must create at least ten jobs
- Processing can take 2 to 5 years, depending on your country of origin and USCIS workload
L1-A visa
- No minimum investment required, but the business must justify an executive or managerial role
- Processing usually takes 2-4 months
- Premium processing available for a faster decision
NIW
- No investment threshold
- Processing varies, often around 12-18 months
- Green card path available without employer sponsorship
How Urizar Legal can help
Business immigration is about more than just forms—it’s about strategy, preparation, and protecting your investments. At Urizar Legal, I work directly with clients to:
- Evaluate the best visa options for your goals
- Prepare detailed business plans and documentation
- Prove lawful sources of funds for investor visas
- Avoid costly mistakes and delays
- Navigate interviews and follow-ups with U.S. authorities
If you’re ready to secure your business future in the United States, I’d love to help you make it happen.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique.