Business and Investor Visas
Business immigration covers the U.S. visas for people who come to work in their own or their company's U.S. business, for a set period or permanently. For clients based in Europe, I handle three common routes: the E-2 treaty investor visa, the L-1 intracompany transfer visa and the EB-1C green card.
Which route fits depends mainly on two questions. The first is the basis of the case: your own investment in a U.S. business, or a transfer within a company that already operates abroad. The second is the goal: a work visa for a number of years, or permanent residence.
E-2, L-1 and EB-1C
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
For nationals of treaty countries, including Germany, Spain, Switzerland and most other European countries, who invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business and direct it. No company abroad is needed, and applicants outside the United States apply directly at the U.S. consulate. The E-2 is a work visa that can be renewed for as long as the business qualifies.
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
For executives, managers and specialized-knowledge employees who have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year in the last three and transfer to a related U.S. company. There is no nationality requirement, and the U.S. company may be newly formed. The L-1A, for executives and managers, allows up to seven years in total; the L-1B, for specialized knowledge, up to five.
EB-1C Manager and Executive Green Card
For executives and managers who worked for the company abroad for at least one year in the last three and will hold an executive or managerial role at its U.S. subsidiary, affiliate or parent. The EB-1C gives permanent residence to the executive, the spouse and unmarried children under 21, without labor certification. The U.S. company must have been doing business for at least a year before the petition is filed.
The routes are often used one after the other. A company opening a U.S. subsidiary sends its executive on an L-1A and, once the subsidiary has a year of operations, files the EB-1C so the executive can stay permanently. An E-2 investor whose U.S. company has a related company abroad, where the investor worked as an executive or manager, may also qualify for the EB-1C later.
How the Practice Works
I handle every business immigration case directly, from the first consultation to the visa or green card. Fees are fixed and listed on each visa page. If the U.S. company still has to be formed, I can form it in Delaware or New York in the same engagement, for an additional fee. The first consultation (15 minutes) is free.
If you are weighing which route fits your company or your investment, schedule a consultation.