Read the general pathway comparison overview
A company transfer and a treaty investment may both involve a business plan, but the numbers serve different requirements. Compare the actual arrangements instead of choosing a route from a staff or spending total.
Identify the qualifying transfer facts
Hypothetical example: an applicant compares a related-company role with an acquisition. L-1 needs qualifying organizations, relevant foreign employment and managerial, executive or specialized-knowledge work. Neither a large headcount nor lengthy training automatically establishes the individual role.
Identify the qualifying investment facts
E-2 needs treaty nationality, generally at least 50% treaty-country-national enterprise ownership, substantial lawful capital committed at risk and a real nonmarginal enterprise the investor will develop and direct. It has no universal fixed dollar minimum and should not be assessed using an imported EB-5 job quota.
Keep plans and permission distinct
Explain actual resources, duties and household activities. Qualifying E and L spouses may be employment-authorized incident to status with appropriate documentation; children do not gain work permission solely through dependent status. A favorable budget or timetable does not authorize the proposed U.S. activity.
What else is on your mind?
Does being a business owner or director qualify me for L-1A?What employment history should an L-1 transfer review cover?What makes a new-office L-1A case different?How should an owner compare L-1 and E-2?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.