Business visas (E1- E2 – L1)
For Companies and Investors
The United States offers several visa categories for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. E1, E2, and L1 visas allow foreign citizens to legally enter and remain in the U.S. to operate businesses, manage investments, or be transferred within multinational corporations.
Below is a detailed description of each visa type, along with its requirements, benefits, eligibility, process, and approximate costs.
E1 Visa – Treaty Trader Visa
Description
The E1 visa allows entry to the U.S. for citizens of countries that maintain treaties of commerce and navigation with the United States and who wish to engage in substantial trade in goods, services, or technology between the two countries.
Main Requirements
Duration and Renewal
Family Beneficiaries
E2 Visa – Treaty Investor Visa
Description
The E2 visa is intended for citizens of countries with treaty trade agreements with the U.S. who have made or are in the process of making a substantial investment in a real and operating commercial enterprise in the U.S.
Main Requirements
Additional Eligibility
Duration and Renewal
Family Beneficiaries
L1 Visa – Intracorporate Transfer
Description
The L1 visa allows an international company to transfer an employee from a foreign branch to an affiliated office in the U.S. It applies to companies with offices in at least two countries.
Variants
Main Requirements
Duration
Family Beneficiaries
Approximate Costs
Visa Type | Consular Fee (DS-160) | Other possible costs | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
E1/E2 | USD $315 | Legal fees, document preparation, translations | It is paid for each applicant |
L1 | USD $205 (I-129 petition) | USD $500 (anti-fraud), fees, translation | Rate for requesting company |
General Advantages
Key Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Statement: The concepts explained should not be taken as legal advice, it is a compendium of public information from the INA.
In all cases, consultation with an attorney is recommended to determine your eligibility. At Immigration Document Preparers, we limit ourselves to submitting forms to USCIS correctly based on the information that the client provides us. We do not give advice or legal advice.