Business visas (E1- E2 – L1)

Service Areas

Visa para ProfesionalesVisas for Professionals
Business visas (E1- E2 – L1) and derivativesBusiness visas (E1- E2 – L1)
AsylumAsylum
Citizenship and NaturalizationCitizenship and Naturalization
Residence or Green CardResidence or Green Card
Family-Based PetitionFamily-Based Petition
Employment-Based PetitionsEmployment-Based Petitions
Labor certification an national interest waiverLabor certification and national interest waiver
Cuban Adjustment LawCuban Adjustment Law
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Adjustment of StatusAdjustment of Status
Work permitWork permit
Nonimmigrant VisasNonimmigrant Visas
Student visasStudent visas
Change of StatusChange of Status

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
Be a citizen of a country with an E1 treaty with the U.S.
The company must engage in substantial (frequent and continuous) trade between the U.S. and the applicant’s country.
At least 50% of the company’s international trade must be between the U.S. and the treaty country.
The applicant must perform key functions (executive, supervisory or with special knowledge).
Duration and Renewal
Initial validity: up to 2 years.
Unlimited renewals as long as trading continues.
Family Beneficiaries
Spouse and children under 21 years of age may obtain a derivative visa.
The spouse may apply for employment authorization.

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
Be a citizen of a country with an E2 treaty with the U.S.
Make a substantial investment (there is no fixed minimum amount, but at least USD $100,000 is commonly considered).
The company must be active and generate profits or potential for economic growth.
The applicant must have control of the funds and be able to manage or develop the company.
Additional Eligibility
Essential employees with executive functions, supervision, or specialized skills may also apply.
Duration and Renewal
Initial validity: up to 2 years.
Unlimited renewals as long as the investment and operation remain active.
Family Beneficiaries
Spouse and children under 21 years of age may accompany the holder.
Spouse can legally work in the U.S.

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
L1A: For managers or executives.
L1B: For employees with essential specialized knowledge for the company.
Main Requirements
The applicant must have worked for the company outside the US for at least 1 year in the last 3 years.
The U.S. and foreign companies must have a business relationship (parent company, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary).
The transfer must be to an executive, management, or specialized knowledge position.
Duration
L1A: Up to 7 years (1 year initially if it is a new office, then renewals).
L1B: Up to 5 years.
Family Beneficiaries
Spouse and children under 21 years of age can obtain an L2 visa.
The spouse may apply for employment authorization.

Approximate Costs

Visa TypeConsular Fee (DS-160)Other possible costsNotes
E1/E2USD $315Legal fees, document preparation, translationsIt is paid for each applicant
L1USD $205
(I-129 petition)
USD $500 (anti-fraud), fees, translationRate for requesting company
Costs may vary depending on country, processing type, and whether Premium Processing (USD $2,805) is used.

General Advantages

They allow legal residence and work in the U.S.
They do not require prior permanent residence.
Possibility of indefinite renewal (E1/E2).
Inclusion of immediate family members.
Opportunity for expansion or starting a legitimate business.

Key Considerations

E1/E2 visas do not lead directly to a Green Card, but in some cases it is possible to change status.
The L1 visa can serve as a bridge to permanent residence (particularly the L1A → EB-1C).
Success depends on the quality of the documentation, business plan, and strict compliance with immigration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

US Embassies in the Americas