SUMMARY CHART : IMMIGRATION OPTIONS FOR THOSE INVESTING IN THE UNITED STATES
Posted by Andrew Roth & filed under Immigration.
| | E-2 | L-1 | Regional Center EB-5 | Individual EB-5 |
| Amount of Investment | Typically over $100,000 (enough to capitalize the entity) | No specified amount | Usually $500,000 | $500,000 or $1,000,000 |
| Initial Length of Visa | Up to 5 years | 1 year initially | 2 year conditional permanent residence, then permanent residence | 2 year conditional permanent residence, then permanent residence |
| Maximum Period | Unlimited extensions | 5 or 7 years | Permanent | Permanent |
| Special Requirements | Must be from treaty country | Must have worked for overseas entity one year | Must prove the source of funds | Must prove the source of funds |
| Must Create Jobs? | A few | A few | Pre-approved | 10 jobs required |
| Ability to Buy an Existing U.S. Company | OK | OK | No | Must reorganize or expand 40% |
| Timing for Approval | 1 – 2 months average | 15 business days after filing | 2 – 6 months, plus green card wait | 6+ months, plus green card wait |
| Timing for Employment Authorization | Immediate | Immediate | > 5 months | > 9 months |
