Investment can open the door to life in the United States. Two programs dominate: the EB-5 immigrant investor green card and the E-2 treaty investor visa. An EB-5 investor visa attorney helps you choose the right path and document every dollar.
These programs are very different. EB-5 leads to a green card but requires a large investment and job creation. E-2 requires a smaller, flexible investment but is a renewable temporary visa, available only to nationals of treaty countries. Therefore, your nationality, budget and goals decide which fits.
This guide compares both programs, explains the evidence they require, and shows how to plan the business side correctly.
EB-5: the immigrant investor green card
EB-5 requires an investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least ten full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers. Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, the standard minimum investment is $1,050,000. It is $800,000 in a targeted employment area or for certain infrastructure projects.
You can invest directly in your own business or through a USCIS-designated regional center. Regional centers can count indirect jobs, which makes job creation easier to show. Moreover, the 2022 law set aside visas for rural, high-unemployment and infrastructure projects.
Source of funds
The hardest part is often proving the lawful source of the money. USCIS expects a clear trail from earnings, sales or gifts to the investment. Consequently, gather tax returns, sale documents and bank records early.
Conditional residence
Successful investors receive a two-year conditional green card. Then they file to remove conditions by showing the investment was sustained and the jobs were created.
E-2: the treaty investor visa
The E-2 visa is for nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty with the United States. The investor must invest a substantial amount in a real, operating U.S. business they will develop and direct.
There is no fixed minimum. Instead, the investment must be substantial relative to the cost of the business. Additionally, the business must not be marginal, which means it should do more than support the investor's family. As a result, a credible business plan is essential.
Benefits and limits
E-2 visas can be renewed indefinitely while the business continues. Spouses can generally work, and children can study. However, E-2 does not lead directly to a green card. An E-2 consultation confirms treaty eligibility and investment strategy.
Structuring the U.S. business
Both visas depend on a properly structured business. You may need to form an entity, sign leases and buy assets before filing. Therefore, business and immigration planning must work together.
Our LLC formation service sets up the company. If you are buying an existing business, our business purchase agreement service drafts the deal. Furthermore, a business formation consultation helps choose the right structure.
For more on corporate setup, see our guide to LLC formation and corporate structuring.
Processing and costs
EB-5 investors abroad usually complete consular processing after the petition is approved. Those already in the U.S. may adjust status if eligible. Our consular processing packet and adjustment of status services support those steps.
Legal costs for investor visas reflect the documentation involved, especially source-of-funds work. Start with a 60-minute immigration consultation. It maps your options, timeline and budget before you commit capital.
Our Investor Visas services in the USA
Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in the USA. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.
E-2 consultation in the USA
A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about the E-2 treaty investor visa. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in the USA
A confidential 60-minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about your immigration matter. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 60-minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min — $359 See what's included →
Business formation consultation in the USA
A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about choosing and forming the right business entity. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Business formation consultation — $299 See what's included →
LLC Formation Documents in the USA
Articles of organization, EIN guidance and initial resolutions (state fees extra).
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order LLC Formation Documents — from $99 See what's included →
Business Purchase Agreement in the USA
Asset or equity purchase with reps, warranties and indemnities.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 7 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Business Purchase Agreement — from $199 See what's included →
Consular Processing Packet (DS-260) in the USA
DS-260 immigrant visa application, civil documents checklist and interview preparation for consular processing abroad.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Consular Processing Packet (DS-260) — $500 See what's included →
Green Card — Adjustment of Status (I-485) in the USA
I-485 with I-864, I-765 and I-131 companion forms.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 14 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Green Card — Adjustment of Status (I-485) — from $699 See what's included →
Investor Visas services near you — every state we cover
Because everything is handled online, it makes no difference where you live. Nevertheless, the law does change from state to state, so every document is prepared for your local rules. Here are some of the places our clients come from most often.
Investor Visas help in California
We prepare investor visas documents for California law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Los Angeles (near the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown), San Diego (near the Hall of Justice on West Broadway), San Francisco (near the Civic Center courthouse on McAllister Street). For example, see E-2 consultation in Los Angeles, E-2 consultation in San Diego, E-2 consultation in San Francisco. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in California.
Investor Visas help in Texas
We prepare investor visas documents for Texas law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Houston (near the Harris County Civil Courthouse), Dallas (near the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building), San Antonio (near the Bexar County Courthouse), Austin (near the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility). For example, see E-2 consultation in Houston, E-2 consultation in Dallas, E-2 consultation in San Antonio, E-2 consultation in Austin. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Texas.
Investor Visas help in Florida
We prepare investor visas documents for Florida law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Miami (near the Miami-Dade County Courthouse on West Flagler Street), Orlando (near the Orange County Courthouse), Tampa (near the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse). For example, see E-2 consultation in Miami, E-2 consultation in Orlando, E-2 consultation in Tampa. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Florida.
Investor Visas help in New York
We prepare investor visas documents for New York law and local court practice. Clients come to us from New York City (near the New York County Courthouse at 60 Centre Street and the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza), Brooklyn (near the Kings County Supreme Court on Adams Street). For example, see E-2 consultation in New York City, E-2 consultation in Brooklyn. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in New York.
Investor Visas help in Illinois
We prepare investor visas documents for Illinois law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Chicago (near the Richard J. Daley Center). For example, see E-2 consultation in Chicago. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Illinois.
Investor Visas help in Georgia
We prepare investor visas documents for Georgia law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Atlanta (near the Fulton County Courthouse). For example, see E-2 consultation in Atlanta. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Georgia.
Investor Visas help in Arizona
We prepare investor visas documents for Arizona law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Phoenix (near the Maricopa County Superior Court). For example, see E-2 consultation in Phoenix. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Arizona.
Investor Visas help in Pennsylvania
We prepare investor visas documents for Pennsylvania law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Philadelphia (near City Hall, home of the Court of Common Pleas). For example, see E-2 consultation in Philadelphia. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Pennsylvania.
Investor Visas help in Washington
We prepare investor visas documents for Washington law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Seattle (near the King County Courthouse). For example, see E-2 consultation in Seattle. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Washington.
Investor Visas help in Colorado
We prepare investor visas documents for Colorado law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Denver (near the Denver City and County Building). For example, see E-2 consultation in Denver. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Colorado.
Investor Visas help in Massachusetts
We prepare investor visas documents for Massachusetts law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Boston (near the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse). For example, see E-2 consultation in Boston. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Massachusetts.
Investor Visas help in Nevada
We prepare investor visas documents for Nevada law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Las Vegas (near the Regional Justice Center). For example, see E-2 consultation in Las Vegas. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in Nevada.
Investor Visas help in New Jersey
We prepare investor visas documents for New Jersey law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Newark (near the Essex County Hall of Records). For example, see E-2 consultation in Newark. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in New Jersey.
Investor Visas help in North Carolina
We prepare investor visas documents for North Carolina law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Charlotte (near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse). For example, see E-2 consultation in Charlotte. Similarly, see Immigration lawyer consultation — 60 min in North Carolina.
We also help clients in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. See every location we cover.
E-2 consultation in every state
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Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to invest for an EB-5 visa?
Generally $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area or qualifying infrastructure project, plus job creation for at least 10 U.S. workers.
What is the minimum investment for an E-2 visa?
There is no fixed minimum. The investment must be substantial relative to the business's cost and sufficient to make it a real, non-marginal enterprise.
Does an E-2 visa lead to a green card?
Not directly. E-2 is a renewable temporary visa, though some investors later qualify for a green card through another category.
Which countries qualify for E-2?
Only nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty with the United States. Some investors gain eligibility through a second citizenship.
Do you help investors in every state?
Yes. We support EB-5 and E-2 planning and business setup for investments anywhere in the United States.
Contact American Counsel
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +1 (217) 426-5403 · Chat on WhatsApp
✉ Email: support@american-counsel.com
🌐 Service area: online across all 50 US states and Washington, D.C.
🕑 Response: most enquiries answered the same working day
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.