What are the most common visa options for foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in the U.S.?

Foreign entrepreneurs typically consider three main visa options: the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, the L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa. The E-2 visa is ideal for nationals of treaty countries who want to start or purchase a U.S. business and actively manage it. The L-1 visa works well for business owners expanding an existing foreign company into the U.S. by transferring themselves or key employees. The EB-5 visa offers a direct path to a green card for investors who make a qualifying investment, usually $800,000 to $1,050,000, that creates at least ten full-time U.S. jobs. Choosing the right visa depends on your nationality, business goals, and long-term immigration plans.

Besides lawyer fees, what other costs do entrepreneurs face when applying for a U.S. visa?

Beyond legal representation, entrepreneurs should budget for a range of additional expenses associated with a U.S. visa application. These may include USCIS filing fees, consular processing fees, and premium processing fees for expedited review (if available). Applicants must also account for business formation costs, such as state registration, lease agreements, and business licenses. For investor visas like the E-2 or EB-5, the largest cost is the investment itself, which must be at risk and committed to a bona fide U.S. enterprise. Additional costs can include translations, certified financial statements, and travel for interviews or business setup. Working closely with legal counsel helps entrepreneurs plan effectively and avoid costly errors during the application and business establishment process.

What are the main obstacles entrepreneurs face when applying for a U.S. visa?

Entrepreneurs often encounter several challenges when pursuing U.S. visas. The most common obstacles include proving the lawful source and path of investment funds, demonstrating the viability of the business, and meeting specific job creation or management requirements. For new businesses, applicants may also face scrutiny regarding financial projections and business plans, especially for E-2 and EB-5 visas. Timing can pose additional difficulties, as processing times vary between visa categories and consulates. Regulatory complexity and documentation errors can delay or derail an otherwise strong application. Professional legal guidance helps overcome these hurdles by preparing comprehensive supporting evidence, structuring compliant business entities, and ensuring each aspect of the application meets U.S. immigration and commercial standards.

What documentation shows an E-2 investment is substantial?

To prove that an E-2 investment is “substantial,” applicants must show that they have invested enough capital to ensure the business’s success and financial stability. Documentation may include bank statements, wire transfers, purchase agreements, invoices, receipts, and escrow records verifying that funds are committed and at risk. A detailed business plan is essential. It should outline startup costs, projected revenue, and job creation goals. USCIS evaluates proportionality, meaning the investment must represent a significant percentage of the total cost of purchasing or establishing the enterprise. Evidence of operational readiness, such as a signed lease or business license, further strengthens the case.

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Investor And Entrepreneur Visas

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Build Your Life and Your Business in the U.S. With the Help of Our Experienced Investor Visa Attorney in Reno, NV

The United States has long been a destination for innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs who seek to launch new ventures or expand international businesses. At Smit Law Group, we help clients navigate complex immigration pathways designed specifically for investors and business owners. Whether you’re establishing a startup, investing in a U.S. enterprise, or transferring key personnel, our Reno entrepreneur visa lawyer will ensure your visa strategy aligns with your goals.

Investor and entrepreneur visas offer different benefits, qualifications, and processes depending on your background and objectives. We work closely with every investor immigrant we serve to determine which path forward is right for their unique situation. To begin discussing your options, contact us today.

Below, we’ll explore the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, the L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, outlining what makes each unique and how Smit Law Group can guide you to success.

Understanding Entrepreneur and Investor Visas

Entrepreneur and investor visas allow foreign nationals to start or expand businesses in the United States while obtaining legal residency or work authorization. These visas are designed to attract global talent and capital, fostering job creation and economic growth.

There are different categories of entrepreneur and investor visas, with the most common including the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, the L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa. Each visa has distinct eligibility requirements, investment thresholds, and timelines. Applicants must show that their funds come from lawful sources and that their business plans will generate real economic activity. Working with an experienced immigration attorney ensures compliance with complex U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards.

For foreign investors and entrepreneurs, these visas offer valuable benefits, including the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. and the ability to bring eligible family members. In some cases, you may also obtain eligibility to apply for permanent residency. Of course, coming to America on an entrepreneur or investor visa can have business implications, including access to U.S. education and business markets.

Your future deserves attention today. Call 775-993-2235 or contact our team to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

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E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 visa allows citizens of countries that have a treaty of commerce with the United States to invest in or start a U.S.-based business. This nonimmigrant visa is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to actively manage and direct their investment while living in the U.S.

To qualify for an E-2 visa, applicants must:

Be a citizen of a treaty country (such as Canada, the U.K., Japan, Germany, or Australia)
Make a substantial investment in a bona fide U.S. business
Demonstrate that the investment is not marginal and that it will generate more than minimal income or create jobs
Have control of the funds and be entering the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise

An experienced Reno entrepreneur visa lawyer can help you determine whether your country qualifies and guide you in structuring your investment to meet USCIS standards.

To hold an E-2 treaty investor visa, you must maintain active involvement in the business. However, because there is no minimum dollar threshold, this path does offer flexibility for smaller or service-based businesses. If you qualify (as a national of a treaty country), your immediate family can also build a life here, with spouses eligible to apply for work authorization and children permitted to attend school in the U.S.

E-2 visas are renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains operational and profitable, but they don’t provide a direct path to permanent residency. That said, future options for obtaining lawful permanent resident status, such as EB-5 or EB-2 visas, do exist.

The E-2 process begins with compiling documentation that proves the legitimacy and viability of the business, including:

Business plans and financial projections
Proof of investment and lawful source of funds
Organizational documents (LLC or corporation filings)
Lease agreements or purchase contracts

Applications are submitted either through a U.S. consulate abroad or USCIS if you are already in the country. With guidance from our Reno entrepreneur visa lawyer, most investors can expect a processing period of two to four months.

L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa

The L-1 visa enables multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge from a foreign office to a U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. It’s also an attractive option for entrepreneurs who own a foreign business and wish to expand into the U.S. market.

To qualify for an L-1 visa, the following requirements must be met: Applicants must:

The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate)
You must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years
You must be entering the U.S. to work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity

Generally, L-1 visas are ideal for expanding an established international business into the U.S. For new offices, initial validity is only one year, although extensions are available if growth is demonstrated. Business must show ongoing operations and employee support in both countries, and detailed documentation proving corporate structure and foreign employment history is required. Not only can spouses of L-1 visa holders legally work in the U.S., but this visa holders may apply for a Green Card while maintaining L-1 status.

For entrepreneurs establishing a new office, the process of securing L-1 visas includes preparing a business plan, securing office space, and demonstrating financial capacity. After filing Form I-129 with USCIS, approval can take 1-3 months, or as little as 15 days with premium processing. Once approved, you can begin U.S. operations immediately.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa

Unlike the E-2 and L-1 visas, the EB-5 visa offers a direct path to permanent residency (a Green Card). It’s designed for investors who contribute to the U.S. economy by creating jobs and investing significant capital.

To qualify, investors must:

Invest at least $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the business is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
Prove that the investment funds come from lawful sources

Working with an experienced Reno entrepreneur visa lawyer ensures compliance with ever-changing EB-5 regulations and helps structure investments that qualify under USCIS and regional center requirements.

For those who qualify, an E-5 immigrant investor visa offers numerous advantages. There’s no need for employer sponsorship. The visa includes the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21, and it provides a direct pathway to a Green Card and, ultimately, U.S. citizenship. However in addition to the high minimum investment amount required, processing times can be lengthy, often amounting to 2-5 years). Additionally, maintaining job creation requirements demands ongoing oversight.

The EB-5 application process generally involves:

Selecting a qualifying investment (either a direct business investment or participation in a USCIS-approved regional center project)
Filing Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor) with USCIS and obtaining approval
Obtaining conditional permanent residence for two years
Filing Form I-829 to remove conditions after demonstrating job creation

Because of its complexity, EB-5 investors benefit from working closely with a knowledgeable investor visa attorney in Reno, NV, to avoid pitfalls and ensure lawful, verifiable funding.

The Difference a Dedicated Investor Visa Attorney in Reno, NV, Can Make

Investor and entrepreneur visas involve complex legal and financial documentation. Applicants often face obstacles such as:

Proving the lawful source of funds
Preparing credible business plans and projections
Demonstrating operational control over the enterprise
Managing timing between visa applications and business launch

At Smit Law Group, we provide comprehensive support for every challenge, from business structuring and document preparation to consular interview guidance. As your trusted legal counsel, we simplify the process so you can focus on building your business and achieving your American dream.

How Smit Law Group Can Help

When it comes to investor and entrepreneur immigration, experience and precision matter. Our law firm handles a wide range of employment-based immigration and visa issues, bring to every case extensive legal experience, knowledge of the nuances of immigration law, and a deep understanding of business strategy.

Our team has helped clients from around the world:

Secure long-term residency through investment
Transition from temporary visas to Green Cards
Avoid costly delays and denials through proactive planning

We know that every investor’s situation is unique. Whether you’re opening a tech startup, purchasing a franchise, or expanding a foreign corporation, our lawyer will ensure that every detail aligns with immigration law and your commercial ambitions.

Why Choose Smit Law Group as Your Reno Entrepreneur Visa Lawyer?

At Smit Law Group, we help innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors abroad begin building their futures in the world’s most dynamic economy by providing legal representation informed by experience, international knowledge, and proficiency in five languages.

Personal and Professional Immigration Experience

Our firm is led by attorney Margaretha "Greta" Smit, who is herself an immigrant to the United States from Holland. Drawing on her personal experience going through the immigration process, our firm handles immigration matters with empathy for our clients’ concerns as well as professional knowledge of complex immigration law.

Understanding of International Affairs

Before practicing law, attorney Greta Smit earned master’s degrees in both European studies and international business administration. This background ensures that our firm understands not only the legal aspects of securing an investor or entrepreneur visa but also the pressures of international business markets.

Multilingual Client Service

With attorney Greta Smit’s proficiency in English, Spanish, Dutch, German, and French, our law firm can often communicate with clients we serve in their own languages, reducing the risk of misunderstandings due to language barriers and making clear communication easier.

Contact a Reno Entrepreneur Visa Lawyer at Smit Law Group Today for Your Initial Case Evaluation

America rewards innovation, ambition, and investment. If you’re ready to take the next step toward establishing or expanding your business in the United States, it’s time to consult a Reno entrepreneur visa lawyer about the path forward and the options available to you. Our legal team will assess your goals, recommend the best visa strategy, and guide you through every stage of the process.

For help starting your U.S. business journey near Reno, NV, contact Smit Law Group online or call 775-993-2235 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Investor & Entrepreneur Visa in Reno, NV

Foreign entrepreneurs typically consider three main visa options: the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, the L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa.
The E-2 visa is ideal for nationals of treaty countries who want to start or purchase a U.S. business and actively manage it. The L-1 visa works well for business owners expanding an existing foreign company into the U.S. by transferring themselves or key employees. The EB-5 visa offers a direct path to a green card for investors who make a qualifying investment, usually $800,000 to $1,050,000, that creates at least ten full-time U.S. jobs.
Choosing the right visa depends on your nationality, business goals, and long-term immigration plans.
Beyond legal representation, entrepreneurs should budget for a range of additional expenses associated with a U.S. visa application. These may include USCIS filing fees, consular processing fees, and premium processing fees for expedited review (if available).
Applicants must also account for business formation costs, such as state registration, lease agreements, and business licenses. For investor visas like the E-2 or EB-5, the largest cost is the investment itself, which must be at risk and committed to a bona fide U.S. enterprise.
Additional costs can include translations, certified financial statements, and travel for interviews or business setup. Working closely with legal counsel helps entrepreneurs plan effectively and avoid costly errors during the application and business establishment process.
Entrepreneurs often encounter several challenges when pursuing U.S. visas.
The most common obstacles include proving the lawful source and path of investment funds, demonstrating the viability of the business, and meeting specific job creation or management requirements. For new businesses, applicants may also face scrutiny regarding financial projections and business plans, especially for E-2 and EB-5 visas.
Timing can pose additional difficulties, as processing times vary between visa categories and consulates. Regulatory complexity and documentation errors can delay or derail an otherwise strong application.
Professional legal guidance helps overcome these hurdles by preparing comprehensive supporting evidence, structuring compliant business entities, and ensuring each aspect of the application meets U.S. immigration and commercial standards.
To prove that an E-2 investment is “substantial,” applicants must show that they have invested enough capital to ensure the business’s success and financial stability. Documentation may include bank statements, wire transfers, purchase agreements, invoices, receipts, and escrow records verifying that funds are committed and at risk.
A detailed business plan is essential. It should outline startup costs, projected revenue, and job creation goals. USCIS evaluates proportionality, meaning the investment must represent a significant percentage of the total cost of purchasing or establishing the enterprise. Evidence of operational readiness, such as a signed lease or business license, further strengthens the case.