Invest in Your American Dream

Transform your business vision into reality through U.S. investment immigration. Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching a startup, an investor expanding operations, or seeking permanent residence through the EB-5 program, we provide expert guidance on investment-based immigration pathways. Our attorneys help international investors and entrepreneurs navigate E-2, L-1, EB-5, and other investment visa options.

Investment Requirements →

Investment Visa Process

From business plan to visa approval – strategic pathway

1

Consultation

Assess investment amount and visa options

2

Business Plan

Develop comprehensive investment strategy

3

Investment

Transfer funds and document source

4

File Petition

Submit visa application with evidence

5

Interview

Attend consular or USCIS interview

6

Approval

Receive visa and begin operations

Investment & Business Visa Options

Multiple pathways for investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners.

We’ll structure your investment to meet visa requirements and business goals.

EB-5

EB-5 Immigrant Investor

Direct path to green card through $800,000+ investment in TEA or $1.05M elsewhere. Create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Permanent residence for family
E-2

E-2 Treaty Investor

For nationals of treaty countries making substantial investment in U.S. business. No minimum amount but typically $100K+.

2 years, unlimited renewals
L-1A

L-1A Executive/Manager

Transfer executives or managers to U.S. office. Includes new office L-1 for establishing U.S. operations.

Up to 7 years total
E-1

E-1 Treaty Trader

For substantial trade between U.S. and treaty country. Over 50% of trade must be with treaty country.

2 years, renewable indefinitely
EB-1C

EB-1C Multinational Executive

Green card for executives/managers of multinational companies. Requires 1 year abroad in past 3 years.

Direct to green card
EB-2

EB-2 NIW (Entrepreneur)

Self-petition for entrepreneurs with national importance ventures. No job offer or investment amount required.

Green card pathway

WHY CHOOSE ATLAS

Investment Immigration Expertise

BUSINESS PLANNING

Develop compelling business plans that meet immigration requirements while ensuring commercial viability and growth potential.

SOURCE OF FUNDS

Document investment capital sources with comprehensive tracing to satisfy USCIS requirements and ensure smooth approval.

REGIONAL CENTERS

Navigate EB-5 regional center investments, direct investments, and job creation requirements for successful petitions.

COMPLIANCE SUPPORT

Maintain visa status through proper business operations, reporting requirements, and strategic planning for renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common investment visa questions

There’s no official minimum, but the investment must be “substantial” relative to the business:

General Guidelines:
  • Service businesses: $75,000 – $150,000 typically sufficient
  • Retail/Restaurant: $150,000 – $250,000 commonly required
  • Manufacturing: $250,000+ depending on equipment needs
  • Franchise businesses: Total franchise cost plus working capital
Proportionality Test:
  • Lower-cost businesses require higher percentage investment (often 75-100%)
  • Higher-cost businesses may allow lower percentage (50-60%)
  • Must be more than marginal – support more than just investor’s family
What Counts: Equipment purchases, lease deposits, inventory, marketing costs, working capital, franchise fees.

What Doesn’t Count: Uncommitted funds, loans secured by business assets, future investment promises.
The EB-5 program provides green cards to investors who create U.S. jobs:

Investment Requirements:
  • TEA (Targeted Employment Area): $800,000 minimum
  • Non-TEA locations: $1,050,000 minimum
  • Must create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
  • Investment must be “at risk” – no guarantees
Two Investment Options:
  • Direct Investment: Start or buy your own business, directly hire 10 employees
  • Regional Center: Pool investment with others, indirect job creation counts
Process Timeline:
  • I-526/E petition: 29-61 months (varies by country)
  • Conditional green card: 2 years
  • I-829 remove conditions: Must prove job creation and sustained investment
  • After 5 years: Eligible for citizenship
Benefits: Green card for investor, spouse, and children under 21. No sponsor needed, can live anywhere in U.S.
E-2 is a non-immigrant visa with no direct path to green card, but several options exist:

EB-5 Investment Green Card:
  • Expand E-2 business to meet EB-5 requirements
  • Invest additional capital to reach $800K/$1.05M threshold
  • Create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
  • File I-526 while maintaining E-2 status
EB-1C Multinational Manager:
  • If E-2 business has foreign parent/subsidiary/branch
  • Work as executive/manager for 1 year abroad
  • Transfer back to U.S. office for green card
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver):
  • Self-petition if business has national importance
  • Show substantial merit and national importance
  • Well-positioned to advance the endeavor
Family-Based: Through U.S. citizen spouse, adult children, or siblings.

Important: Can maintain E-2 while green card pending – no requirement to show non-immigrant intent.
Both allow business operations in the U.S., but have key differences:

L-1A Intracompany Transfer:
  • Must have qualifying relationship with foreign company
  • Requires 1 year of work abroad in past 3 years
  • For executives and managers only
  • Maximum 7 years (3+2+2 extensions)
  • Dual intent allowed – can pursue green card
  • New office L-1: 1 year initial approval
  • All nationalities eligible
E-2 Treaty Investor:
  • Must be from treaty country (80+ countries)
  • Requires substantial investment
  • Can be owner, executive, manager, or essential employee
  • Unlimited renewals possible
  • No direct path to green card
  • Spouse can work with EAD
  • Faster processing at many consulates
Choose L-1A if: You have a foreign company, want green card path, not from treaty country.
Choose E-2 if: Starting fresh investment, want flexibility, from treaty country, plan long-term stay.
Documenting lawful source of funds is critical for investment visas:

Acceptable Sources:
  • Business earnings: Tax returns, financial statements, dividend distributions
  • Property sale: Purchase/sale contracts, title documents, capital gains records
  • Inheritance: Will, probate documents, death certificate, tax records
  • Gift: Gift letter, donor’s source of funds, tax returns
  • Loan: Secured by personal assets (not business), loan agreements
  • Salary savings: Employment letters, pay stubs, bank statements over time
Required Documentation:
  • Complete money trail from origin to investment
  • Bank statements showing transfers
  • Wire transfer records
  • Currency exchange documentation
  • Tax payment proof on income
Common Issues:
  • Cash businesses need extra documentation
  • Cryptocurrency requires detailed transaction history
  • Multiple sources need separate documentation
  • Foreign documents need certified translation
Work authorization for family members varies by visa type:

E-2 Visa Family:
  • Spouse: Can work anywhere with EAD, not restricted to investor’s business
  • Children: Cannot work, but can attend school/university
L-1 Visa Family:
  • L-2 Spouse: Automatically authorized to work, can apply for EAD as evidence
  • L-2 Children: Can attend school but cannot work
EB-5 Green Card Family:
  • All family members: Receive green cards with full work authorization
  • No restrictions: Can work for any employer or start own business
E-1 Treaty Trader:
  • Spouse: Eligible for work authorization (EAD)
  • Children: No work authorization
Age Limits: Children must be under 21 and unmarried for all visa types. EB-5 allows age lock-in with early filing.
Most legitimate businesses qualify, but requirements vary by visa type:

Generally Acceptable Businesses:
  • Restaurants, cafes, food service
  • Retail stores and e-commerce
  • Professional services (consulting, marketing, IT)
  • Manufacturing and distribution
  • Franchises (with sufficient investment)
  • Real estate development (not passive rental)
  • Healthcare services
  • Educational institutions
Problematic Business Types:
  • Passive investments: Stocks, bonds, undeveloped land
  • Residential rentals: Generally too passive unless large scale
  • Marginal enterprises: Only supporting investor’s family
  • Speculative ventures: Uncommitted business plans
  • Independent contractors: Single-person consulting without employees
E-2 Specific: Must be active, for-profit, and require investor’s direct involvement.

EB-5 Specific: Must create 10 full-time W-2 jobs. Construction jobs must last 2+ years.

L-1 Specific: Must be branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of foreign company with qualifying relationship.