Question 1

What is the E-2 investor visa?

Accepted Answer

The E-2 is a non-immigrant treaty investor visa that allows citizens of treaty countries — including Turkey — to enter and work in the U.S. based on a substantial investment in an active commercial enterprise. BizHouston helps with business planning; for legal eligibility, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Question 2

What is the minimum investment for an E-2 visa?

Accepted Answer

There is no statutory minimum, but consulates in 2025 generally expect $80,000–$150,000 for a comfortable filing. The investment must be 'substantial' relative to the total cost of the business — a proportionality test.

Question 3

Do passive investments (real estate, stocks) qualify for E-2?

Accepted Answer

No. E-2 requires an active commercial enterprise that produces goods or services. Rental properties, stocks, or cryptocurrency holdings are passive and do not qualify.

Question 4

How long is an E-2 visa valid?

Accepted Answer

E-2 visa validity depends on the reciprocity schedule for your country. Many treaty countries' nationals receive a 5-year visa with 2-year admission periods per entry. There is no limit on renewals — the visa can be extended indefinitely as long as the business remains active.

Question 5

Does the E-2 visa lead to a Green Card?

Accepted Answer

Not directly. E-2 is a non-immigrant category. However, once the business grows, transitions through EB-1C (executive transfer) or EB-5 (investor) green card categories become possible.

Question 6

Can my family come with me on E-2?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your spouse receives E-2S status and full work authorization. Unmarried children under 21 can attend U.S. public schools at no cost.

Question 7

What documents are required for E-2?

Accepted Answer

DS-160 and DS-156E forms, a 30–50 page business plan, 5-year financial projections, source-of-funds documentation (bank statements, sale contracts), company formation documents, lease or franchise agreement, resume, and valid passport.

Question 8

How long does the E-2 application take?

Accepted Answer

Consular filings at most U.S. embassies typically take 2–4 months depending on the post. U.S. status changes take 4–6 months. Premium Processing ($2,805 fee) reduces USCIS adjudication to 15 business days.

Question 9

Are franchise businesses good for E-2?

Accepted Answer

Excellent choice. Franchises offer an established business model, brand recognition, and proven revenue history — all of which resonate well with consular officers. Popular E-2 franchises include Subway, 7-Eleven, Anytime Fitness, and many others.

Question 10

What is the L-1 visa?

Accepted Answer

The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge roles from a foreign affiliate to a U.S. office. BizHouston helps with the business and operational planning side.

Question 11

What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?

Accepted Answer

L-1A is for managers/executives (max 7 years in the U.S.). L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge (max 5 years). L-1A holders can more easily transition to an EB-1C green card.

Question 12

How long must I have worked for my company to qualify for L-1?

Accepted Answer

You must have been continuously employed by the foreign company for at least 1 year within the last 3 years, in a qualifying managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role.

Question 13

Can my spouse work on L-2 status?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since 2021, L-2 spouses automatically receive work authorization (EAD) upon approval of their L-2 status, allowing employment in any field.

Question 14

Do I need to be in the U.S. to form a company?

Accepted Answer

No. You can form a U.S. LLC or corporation entirely online from anywhere in the world using your passport, an email address, and your chosen company name.

Question 15

Should I form an LLC or C-Corporation?

Accepted Answer

Most foreign entrepreneurs choose an LLC for its simplicity, pass-through taxation, and flexible management. C-Corps are better for startups seeking U.S. venture capital. Note: foreign nationals cannot own S-Corps.

Question 16

Which state should I form my company in?

Accepted Answer

Wyoming: lowest costs, maximum privacy. Delaware: gold standard for corporate law, preferred by investors. Texas: best for actual operations, B2B networks, no state income tax. Florida: popular for e-commerce and Latin American trade.

Question 17

What is an EIN and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS. Required for opening a U.S. bank account, setting up payment processors, and filing tax returns. Applied for free via Form SS-4.

Question 18

Is Form 5472 required for foreign-owned LLCs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file Form 5472 (attached to Form 1120) by April 15 each year (October 15 with extension). Failure to file carries a $25,000 penalty per form.

Question 19

Does forming a U.S. company grant a visa?

Accepted Answer

No. Company formation alone does not provide immigration status. However, it is the essential first step for E-2 or L-1 visa applications when combined with a proper business plan and investment documentation.

Question 20

What is the EB-5 investor green card?

Accepted Answer

EB-5 (Immigrant Investor Program) is the only U.S. visa category that grants a direct path to permanent residency through investment. Unlike E-2, EB-5 is an immigrant visa that leads to a green card for the investor and their family.

Question 21

What is the minimum investment for EB-5?

Accepted Answer

As of 2024–2026: $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA — rural or high unemployment); $1,050,000 in non-TEA areas. Amounts are periodically adjusted by USCIS.

Question 22

How many jobs must be created for EB-5?

Accepted Answer

At least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers must be created and documented at the I-829 (conditions removal) stage.

Question 23

What is the difference between EB-5 direct investment and Regional Center?

Accepted Answer

Direct EB-5: investor forms and actively manages their own U.S. business. Regional Center EB-5: investor participates as a passive investor in an approved project. BizHouston provides operational support for the direct investment model.

Question 24

Does a foreign company need a U.S. entity to export to the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

Not strictly required, but a U.S. LLC increases buyer confidence, simplifies contract execution and enables proper tax management. It also opens E-1 and E-2 visa paths.

Question 25

Why is Houston a strategic gateway for U.S. market entry?

Accepted Answer

The Port of Houston is one of the largest U.S. port complexes by foreign waterborne tonnage. It serves as a natural distribution hub for cargo from Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia — with lower operating costs than coastal gateway cities.

Question 26

How long does it take to find U.S. wholesale buyers?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies by product category, price positioning and market fit. BizHouston's initial contact coordination typically takes 4–12 weeks. Results depend on product competitiveness — no guarantees are made.

Question 27

Is franchise acquisition a strong E-2 investment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Franchises present a proven business model, which reduces the 'marginal business' risk in USCIS review. FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) review requires a licensed attorney.

Question 28

What is the E-1 Treaty Trader visa and how does trade volume factor in?

Accepted Answer

E-1 requires substantial, ongoing trade between the U.S. and the treaty country — no minimum investment required. Trade must be the primary activity of the enterprise. Single transactions are not sufficient; USCIS evaluates volume and continuity.

Question 29

Can an L-1A visa holder apply for an EB-1C green card?

Accepted Answer

Yes. L-1A executives and managers are often eligible for EB-1C (Multinational Executive/Manager), which does not require PERM labor certification. The U.S. company must be real, active and structured to support the executive/managerial role.

Question 30

Is PERM labor certification required for EB-1C?

Accepted Answer

No. EB-1C is one of the few green card categories that bypasses PERM — significantly shortening the path to permanent residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

E-2 Investor Visa

L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transfer)

U.S. Company Formation

EB-5 Investor Green Card

U.S. Market Entry & Trade

Green Card Paths — L-1, EB-1C and EB-5

Consultation & Payment