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Visas and immigrationDo you want to run your business in the United States?
For many international entrepreneurs and investors, immigration strategy is a core part of their plan. Explore educational information about the visa categories most related to business and investment.
Business and investment visas
E-2
Treaty investor visa
For nationals of treaty countries who invest in and direct a business in the U.S.
Read more →L-1
Intracompany transferee
For entrepreneurs and executives of international companies opening or expanding operations in the U.S.
Read more →EB-5
Residency through investment
A permanent residency program based on an investment that creates U.S. jobs.
Read more →O-1
Extraordinary ability
A temporary visa for people with recognized extraordinary ability or achievement in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.
Read more →Official sources: USCIS – Options for Entrepreneurs · U.S. Department of State – Treaty Trader and Investor Visas
General differences
| E-2 | L-1 | EB-5 | O-1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Nonimmigrant (temporary, renewable) | Nonimmigrant (temporary) | Immigrant (permanent residency) | Nonimmigrant (temporary, with extensions) |
| Who qualifies | Nationals of treaty countries | Employees of a related foreign company | Investors of any nationality | People with recognized extraordinary ability or achievement |
| Investment | Substantial, no fixed minimum | No minimum amount, but a real company in both countries | Minimum amount set by law | No investment required |
| Jobs | Must be a real, non-marginal business | Must be an active operation | Must create at least 10 jobs | No job creation required |
| Fit with franchises | Very common | Possible if there is a parent company abroad | Possible, with stricter requirements | Limited: depends on the person’s profile, not on investment |
What to plan
- Review your nationality and your family’s before choosing a category.
- Confirm the lawful source of your funds and be able to document it.
- Coordinate the timing of the franchise purchase with the immigration process.
- Have your case evaluated by an immigration attorney before signing or transferring funds.
Business visas for investors: how to choose
The business visas most often used by Latin American investors who buy or open a franchise are three: the E-2, for nationals of treaty countries who invest substantial capital and direct the business; the L-1, to transfer executives, managers or specialized staff from a foreign company to its U.S. affiliate; and the EB-5, an immigrant visa that requires a larger investment and the creation of at least 10 jobs.
The E-2 and the L-1 are nonimmigrant visas that can be renewed as long as their conditions are met; the EB-5 can lead to permanent residence. Choosing among these business visas depends on your nationality, the capital available, whether you already own a company in your country and your long-term family plans. The type of franchise also matters: a model that requires the owner’s daily involvement fits better with the E-2, while a corporate expansion is usually planned with the L-1.
No franchise grants a visa by itself and no broker can guarantee approval: the decision belongs to the Department of State or USCIS. The recommended path is to define the immigration strategy first with an immigration attorney and then choose the brand with the support of an FBA certified franchise broker, carefully reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Sources consulted
Data checked in October 2026. Rules and requirements may change: always confirm current information with the official sources.
Ready to review your case with a broker?
Book a session with a certified franchise broker and see which options fit your profile, budget and goals.