Business & Investment Visas USA: Compare EB-5 vs Alternatives
Find the Right U.S. Visa for Your Investment Goals — Compare EB-5, E-2 & L-1 Options
Whether you want to launch a business, transfer operations, or secure a Green Card through investment, Shoora EB5 helps you understand your options and choose the path that’s right for you.
Find the Right Path to Live, Work, and Invest in the United States
The United States is one of the world’s top destinations for global entrepreneurs, investors, and executives looking to expand their opportunities. Whether your goal is to build a business, invest in real estate, or secure long-term residency for your family, understanding your U.S. business and investment visa options is essential.
This guide compares the EB-5 Investment Visa with other common visa categories — including the E-2 Treaty Investor, L-1 Intracompany Transfer, and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) — so you can choose the path that best fits your goals.
What Is the EB-5 Investor Visa?
The EB-5 visa program is a U.S. immigration initiative designed to stimulate the economy through foreign investment and job creation. In return for investing in a qualifying U.S. business or project, investors and their families can obtain permanent residency (Green Cards).
EB-5 Visa Highlights:
- Minimum investment of $800,000 (TEA projects) or $1,050,000 (non-TEA)
- Must create or preserve 10 full-time U.S. jobs
- Direct path to U.S. Green Card and citizenship
- Green Cards for spouse and unmarried children under 21
At Shoora EB5, all our projects are I-956F & I-526E approved and USCIS-compliant, providing investors with a secure, transparent, and results-driven path to residency.
Alternative Business & Investment Visas in the USA
While EB-5 is the only direct path to a Green Card through investment, other visa programs allow foreign nationals to live, work, or invest temporarily in the United States.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
- Available to citizens of treaty countries.
- Requires a “substantial” investment (usually $100K–$300K+).
- Must own and actively manage a U.S. business.
- Renewable indefinitely, but does not provide permanent residency.
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
- For executives, managers, or employees transferring from a foreign company to its U.S. affiliate or branch.
- No minimum investment amount.
- Dual intent visa — can lead to Green Card via EB-1C, but not guaranteed.
- Typically valid for up to 7 years (L-1A).
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
- Designed for individuals with advanced degrees, unique skills, or business plans that benefit U.S. interests.
- No set investment requirement.
- Can lead directly to a Green Card if the applicant proves national benefit.
- Often used by entrepreneurs, researchers, or professionals.
EB-5 vs E-2 vs L-1 vs EB-2 NIW: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Type | Investment Requirement | Residency Benefits | Family Inclusion | Path to Green Card | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-5 Investor Visa | $800K (TEA) / $1.05M (non-TEA) | Direct path to permanent residency | Spouse + children under 21 | Yes | Job creation requirement; investment “at risk” |
| E-2 Treaty Investor | “Substantial” (no set minimum) | Temporary visa (renewable) | Spouse + children under 21 | No | Must be treaty country national; must manage business |
| L-1 Transfer Visa | None specified | Temporary (up to 7 years) | Spouse + children under 21 | Indirect (EB-1C route) | For executives or managers of multinational firms |
| EB-2 NIW | None specified | Permanent residency possible | Spouse + children under 21 | Yes | Must prove work benefits U.S. national interest |
Which Business or Investment Visa Is Right for You?
- Choose EB-5 if your goal is permanent U.S. residency for your family through investment.
- Choose E-2 if you want to own and operate a business with a smaller investment and short-term flexibility.
- Choose L-1 if you’re transferring from a multinational company and want to expand operations into the U.S.
- Choose EB-2 NIW if you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or researcher whose work benefits U.S. interests.
At Shoora EB5, we frequently help investors compare these options and determine if transitioning from an E-2 or L-1 visa into EB-5 is the right long-term strategy.
Why the EB-5 Visa Stands Out
The EB-5 Investment Visa is the only investor visa that directly grants a Green Card.
Unlike other visas, it doesn’t require employer sponsorship, business management, or continuous renewals.
Top advantages of the EB-5 program:
- Permanent residency for the whole family
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in the U.S.
- Access to top schools, healthcare, and business networks
- No requirement to operate or manage a business daily
- Opportunity for U.S. citizenship after five years
Why Work with Shoora EB5
Shoora EB5 develops and manages secure, fully compliant EB-5 projects designed to protect investor capital and maximize immigration success.
What sets Shoora apart:
- I-956F & I-526E approved projects meeting all USCIS standards.
- Focus on rural TEA developments offering faster processing and lower investment minimums
- End-to-end support — from project selection to I-829 approval
- Partnerships with experienced attorneys, economists, and compliance teams
Whether you’re transitioning from an E-2, L-1, or starting your first EB-5 investment, Shoora provides the clarity and confidence to move forward successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the minimum investment for an EB-5 visa?
$800,000 in a TEA project or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA project.
Q2: Can I switch from an E-2 or L-1 visa to an EB-5 visa?
Yes. Many investors start with an E-2 or L-1 for short-term business operations, then transition to EB-5 for permanent residency.
Q3: Which U.S. visa is best for investors seeking a Green Card?
The EB-5 program is the only visa that directly grants a Green Card through investment.
Q4: Does the E-2 visa lead to permanent residency?
No. The E-2 is a temporary visa that can be renewed indefinitely but doesn’t provide permanent residency.
Q5: Why should I work with Shoora EB5?
Shoora provides secure, pre-vetted projects, transparent financial structures, and a proven record of helping investors successfully obtain their Green Cards.
Q6: How long does the EB-5 process take from start to finish?
The average processing time ranges between 18 to 30 months, depending on USCIS timelines, your country of origin, and visa availability.
Q7: What are the advantages of a TEA (Targeted Employment Area) project?
TEA projects qualify for a lower investment threshold ($800K) and often have priority processing, especially in rural areas.
Q8: Can my spouse and children work or study in the U.S. under EB-5?
Yes. Once you receive your conditional Green Card, your spouse can work and your children can attend public schools or universities as U.S. residents.
Q9: What happens if my EB-5 project doesn’t create 10 jobs?
Your immigration attorney and regional center (like Shoora EB5) will ensure compliance and documentation. However, if a project fails to meet job creation, it may affect I-829 approval — which is why Shoora only selects job-secure, well-structured projects.
Q10: Can Shoora EB5 assist me if I already hold another U.S. visa?
Absolutely. Shoora EB5 regularly helps H-1B, E-2, and L-1 visa holders transition into the EB-5 program to achieve permanent residency through investment.
Start Your U.S. Investment Journey with Shoora EB5
Whether you’re exploring different U.S. business visa options or ready to begin your EB-5 investment, Shoora EB5 can help you take the next step toward U.S. residency.
