Investment Visas &
Green Cards
Compass Immigration Law provides tailored guidance to clients navigating the process of obtaining investment visas, under the E-2 Treaty Investor classification, and green cards, under the EB-5 classification.
The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows certain individuals to invest in U.S. businesses, offering them the ability to live and work in the country while contributing to its economic growth.
The EB-5 is an immigrant visa classification based on an investment in a commercial enterprise in the U.S., which can serve as a pathway to permanent residency.
How to get an Investor Visa in the U.S.
The U.S. has two main investor pathways:
1. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa — temporary
The E-2 is usually suitable if you want to start or buy and actively operate a U.S. business.
Typical requirements include:
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You are a citizen of a country with an E-2 treaty with the United States.
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You make a substantial investment in a real, operating U.S. business; there is no fixed statutory minimum.
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The funds are committed and subject to business risk.
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You own at least 50% of the business or have operational control.
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The business must be more than a marginal source of income and should support economic activity.
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You must intend to leave the United States when E-2 status ends.
You apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, generally using Form DS-160 and the consulate’s E-2 application process. E-2 status does not directly provide a Green Card, although another immigration route may later be available.
2. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program — Green Card pathway
EB-5 can lead to permanent residence for you, your spouse, and unmarried children under 21. The main requirements are:
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Invest $1.05 million in a qualifying U.S. commercial enterprise, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area—generally a rural or high-unemployment area.
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Show that the money came from a lawful source.
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Create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within the required period.
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Invest through either a qualifying direct business or an eligible regional-center project.
EB-5 Investor Program
The EB-5 Visa program offers foreign investors a pathway to U.S. permanent residency by investing in a new commercial enterprise. By investing a minimum of $1.6 million, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area, investors need to create jobs for U.S. workers and secure their immigration status. The program aims to stimulate the economy through job creation and capital investment, making it an attractive option for those looking to expand their business opportunities in the United States. With careful planning and the right investment, the EB-5 Visa can be a valuable opportunity for investors seeking to make a significant impact.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 visa offers a unique opportunity for investors looking to establish or purchase a business in the United States. This non-immigrant visa is designed for foreign nationals from treaty countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. enterprise. Eligible investors can enjoy benefits such as the ability to live and work in the U.S. while their business flourishes. Additionally, the E-2 visa can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the business remains operational and the visa requirements continue to be met.
