Investor and Business Visas

Visas for Investment and Business Immigration

The United States has multiple provisions for foreign nationals to gain entry to engage in commercial enterprises. Requirements of the applicant include providing capital investments and employment opportunities to benefit the country. The EB-5, E-1, E-2, and L-1 investor visas are some of the most common entry methods for foreign entrepreneurs and businesses.

EB-5 Visa Program for Permanent Residency

EB-5 investor and business visas are an employment-based category for foreign nationals who desire permanent residency in the United States. Since 1990, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service has granted immigration status for the investor and their immediate families. The EB-5 program is designed to attract foreign capital to contribute to our country’s economic development in exchange for the right to residency and citizenship. A successful applicant requires proof of a qualifying investment amount for a new commercial enterprise. The qualified investor must create at least ten full-time employment opportunities within two years. They can employ United States citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other immigrants who have been authorized to work in this country.

The latest minimum capital investment amounts for the EB-5 program are:

  • $900,000 for targeted areas that have high unemployment rates or are located in a rural community.
  • 1.8 million dollars for non-targeted areas

Targeted and non-targeted areas are determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service and the Department of Homeland Security.

What is the Eligibility process for an EB-5 Investor and Business Visa?

A foreign national does not require a Labor Certificate or an employer sponsor to apply for an investor visa. Upon approval, an investor is granted a two-year conditional permanent resident green card. To remove the condition, the investor must complete a request 90 days before the two-year green card expiration date. With this request, there must be evidence that the investor has met the terms of the agreement. They must have evidence of their investment, sustainment, and the creation of full–time employment for at least ten employees. For an investor that fails to file a request, they may face deportation at any time after their conditional permanent green card expires. 

E1, E2, and L-1 Investor Visa Programs

The international trader or investor visas, E-1 and E-2, are appropriate for those applicants who desire to engage in international trade with a company in the United States. An example is an import-export company. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must be a citizen of a treaty country with the United States. Although there is no set amount of capital investment, generally these applicants make trades or investments over $100,000 in services and goods. These visas do not lead to permanent residency and need to be renewed within a specified period.

To qualify for an L-1 Investor and Business Visa, an employee of a company must be an executive, a manager, or have specialized knowledge. This visa exists for the intra-company transfer of employees for both treaty and non-treaty countries. Applicants who desire to work in the United States must also have an affiliate company in their homeland.

The Law Office of Ilia Garrity Lopez, PLLC, Represents Immigrant Investors

The most efficient and expedient way to obtain an Investor and Business Visa is by the counsel and representation of an experienced immigration attorney. Attorney Ilia Garrity Lopez has been procuring visas for clients since 2012. Our law firm understands the urgency of having visa applications completed accurately and on time. We will prepare and file the necessary applications and supporting documentation on your behalf.

Do not miss an investment opportunity while waiting for your visa paperwork to be completed or approved. Contact the Law Office of Ilia Garrity Lopez, PLLC, in Orlando, Florida, at 407-777-7106. Let us discuss your options and secure an Investor Visa to expand your business and your future.