Investor Visa Options
Explore two very different U.S. investment-related immigration paths: the E-2 treaty investor visa and the EB-5 immigrant investor program.
E-2 and EB-5 investor options at a glance
E-2 is a temporary nonimmigrant treaty investor classification for qualifying nationals of treaty countries who make a substantial investment in a real and operating U.S. enterprise and seek to develop and direct that enterprise.
EB-5 is an immigrant investor pathway with separate requirements involving a qualifying investment, lawful source and path of funds, and the creation of qualifying U.S. jobs. Unlike E-2, EB-5 can lead to conditional permanent residence when the applicable requirements are met.
E-2 and EB-5 are not the same program
E-2 is a nonimmigrant treaty investor classification available to qualifying nationals of treaty countries. EB-5 is an immigrant investor pathway with separate statutory, investment and job-creation requirements.
Treaty Investor Visa
Designed for qualifying treaty nationals who invest in and develop or direct a qualifying U.S. enterprise.
Immigrant Investor
A permanent immigration pathway involving qualifying investment, lawful source of funds and applicable job-creation requirements.
Common areas reviewed in an E-2 case
- Your nationality and treaty eligibility.
- The U.S. business and its operations.
- Your investment and ownership structure.
- The lawful source and movement of funds.
- Your role in developing and directing the enterprise.
- Business plans and operating evidence.
EB-5 uses a different legal framework
- Qualifying investment structure.
- Lawful source and path of investment funds.
- Required job creation.
- USCIS petition and immigrant processing procedures.
- Regional center or direct-investment structure when applicable.
Considering a U.S. investment visa?
Tell us about your investment plan during a free initial consultation.