E and L Visas: Treaty Traders, Investors, and Intracompany Transfers

Business has become truly global.  US immigration law has long recognized that business across borders is good business.

At the HMA Law Firm we devote the bulk of our business immigration practice to startup and small businesses.

Dealing with smaller companies in the business immigration world has its own special challenges.  In the case of an E-1 treaty trader, the volume of trade must be "substantial." For the E-2 treaty investor, the investment must not be "marginal" and the size of the investment must be "substantial." An L-1 intracompany transferee must show a qualifying relationship as a subsidiary, affiliate or the like, and also prove managerial/executive position or specialized knowledge. Issues such as the availability of other staff to perform non-qualifying functions, sufficiency of office space, tracing the source of the money for an investment, and the bona fide activity of the businesses can be challenging for startup and smaller businesses.  

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It is important for your immigration lawyer to know your business, and also be able to anticipate what USCIS or a consular officer will expect.  Many times other business immigration options (H-1B, PERM labor certification, etc.) are not viable.   There may be other reasons why an E or an L visa are preferable to other statuses.

You may already know what visa you need.  Or you may need better guidance on how to choose.  Whatever the need, the immigration lawyers at the HMA Law Firm are ready to help.  Just fill out the form on the right, and an experienced business immigration lawyer will contact you within 1 business day or less.  You may also call or text the main office directly at (703) 964-0245.

E (Investment) Visa Resources

E-1 Visas (Coming soon)

E-2 Visa Knowledge Base

• E2 to Green Card? 
• E2 Visas and the Amount Required to be Invested in a Business
• E2 Visas for Employees of a Business
• Eligibility and Renewal Criteria for E2 Treaty Investment Visas
• How to Plan an Application for an E2 Investment Visa
• The E2 Visa and the Visa Holders Family
• Business Investments: Why E2 Visa Applications May be Rejected or Denied
• Choosing the Right Visa for Business Investment
• Understanding Workers Compensation Insurance for E2 Visa Holders
• Federal Tax Information for New Business Investors in the US
• Information about Occupational Safety and Health for new Businesses in the USA
• Profitability and Employee Criteria for Investing in a US Business
• Starting up a New Business in the United States to Gain an E-2 Visa
• Buying a Franchise in the US
• Computer Sales and Service Business for an E2 Visa Investor
• Gas Station Purchase for E-2 Investors can be a Sound Choice
• Home Cleaning Company Offers Good Returns for E-2 Investor
• Investing in a Coffee Shop
• Investing in a Restaurant Business with an E2 Visa

L (Intracompany Transfer) Visa Resources

• L-1A Visas - In General
• L-1A Visas - Qualification
• L-1B Visas - In General
• L-1B Visas - Qualification
• Adjustment of Status: L-1 to Green Card
• Comparing the H-1B to the L-1
• L-1A: What is "Managerial Capacity?"
• L-1A Blanket Petitions
• L-1A New Office Petitions
• L-1B's and Specialized Knowledge
• Supporting Documents for L-1 Petitions
• L-1 Visas for the Food Service Industry
• L-1 Visas for the Tech Industry
• L-1 Visas for the Hospitality Industry
• L-1A Visas: More on Qualifications
• L-1B Visas: More on Qualifications
• L-1A: Scope of Program
• L-1B: Scope of Program
• L-1's and Foreign Startups
  
• L-1B Blanket Petitions