Comparison Table
Appearing below are four types of business or investor visas that may permit a foreign national businessman to live predominantly in the USA. Each has its own requirements, and its own pluses and minuses. Consult with a licensed immigration attorney before making your selection.
|
|
EB-5 Regional Center |
EB-5 Standard |
E-2 Investor |
L-1 Transferee* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Investment |
$500,000 |
$500,000 |
$100,000 |
n/a |
|
Participating Day-to-Day |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Prior Employment in Same Entity Overseas |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Must Reside Where Business Located |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Control of business |
Limited |
Strong |
Significant |
Significant |
|
May Purchase Existing US Business |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Must Maintain Overseas Business |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Treaty Required with Foreign Country |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
Minimum U.S. Job Creation |
10 |
10 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Lawful Source of Income |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
n/a |
|
Annual Quota/Cap |
<= 10,000 |
3,000-10,000 |
none |
none |
|
Wait Time for Initial Visa |
8-16 months |
8-16 months |
2-8 Weeks |
2-6 months |
|
Maximum Time in US on Visa |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
5-7 years |
|
Green Card Benefit |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Family Members Get visa? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
* Although an L-1 visa can not itself lead to a green card, many holders of an L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager Visa are able to obtain a green card by subsequently filing for a EB-1C Visa for Managers and Executive Transferees.
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