E-1, E-2 and L-1 Immigration Counsel for Entrepreneurs and Companies Abroad
Opening a U.S. business takes more than forming a company. Your ownership structure, investment, trade activity, foreign operations and plans for working in the United States can all affect your immigration options.
Scott-Vassell Law Group immigration lawyers help international entrepreneurs and companies plan E-1 Treaty Trader, E-2 Treaty Investor and L-1 intracompany transfers to expand into the U.S. Whether you are considering Texas, Florida or another state, we can help you align the immigration strategy with the business you intend to establish.
Schedule a Business Immigration Consultation
Find the route that fits your business
| Immigration option | Often relevant when… | A central question |
| E-1 Treaty Trader | A qualifying treaty-country business conducts substantial international trade, principally between the United States and that treaty country. | Can you document the volume and direction of qualifying trade? |
| E-2 Treaty Investor | A qualifying treaty-country national is investing in a real, operating U.S. enterprise. | Is the investment substantial, committed and at commercial risk? |
| L-1 Intracompany Transferee | An established foreign company is opening or expanding a related U.S. operation and transferring a qualifying employee. | Do the companies, employee and proposed U.S. role meet the transfer requirements? |
These classifications have different requirements. For example, E-1 focuses on trade, while E-2 focuses on investment; treaty nationality is relevant to both. L-1 depends on a qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. businesses and qualifying employment abroad. travel.state.gov
Plan the immigration case alongside the business launch
Decisions made early can shape the evidence available when it is time to apply. Our work may include reviewing:
- Ownership and company structure: Who owns and controls the U.S. business, and how does it relate to any foreign company?
- Trade or investment evidence: What transactions, expenditures, contracts and financial records support the proposed classification?
- Funding: Can the investor document the source and movement of funds and show that the investment is committed?
- Business operations: Do the premises, staffing plans and projected activity fit the actual enterprise?
- Timing: Which preparations can be completed before the entrepreneur is authorized to work in the United States?
For an L-1 new office, sufficient physical premises are an express requirement. For an E-2 enterprise, the location and facilities should make sense for the business; a traditional standalone office is not a universal requirement. USCIS
Thinking about Texas or Florida?
Texas and Florida may be attractive places to launch, but the right location depends on more than a state income tax comparison. Customers, workforce, operating costs, licensing, commercial space and family needs all matter. We can coordinate the immigration work with your business and tax advisers as you evaluate where to establish operations.
Our immigration representation is available for all states, including for business and employment in Texas, Florida and other states.
Visiting before your visa is approved
A preliminary trip may allow certain business activities, such as meetings and contract negotiations. The purpose and activities of the visit need careful review: ESTA or B-1 visitor admission does not, by itself, authorize employment in a new U.S. business. Canadian citizens generally do not need ESTA for a qualifying temporary business visit, but they must still meet the requirements for admission. travel.state.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Canadian and European entrepreneurs qualify for an E visa?
Eligibility depends on nationality and the applicable treaty, as well as the requirements of the E-1 or E-2 classification. Canada, Sweden and the United Kingdom appear on the Department of State’s treaty-country list. The U.K. treaty has additional territorial, residence and domicile language that warrants individual review. travel.state.gov
Is depositing money into a U.S. account enough for an E-2 case?
Generally, no. The question is whether the investor has made, or is actively making, a qualifying investment in the enterprise. A bank balance alone does not show that funds have been committed to the business. travel.state.gov
Must I choose Texas or Florida before seeking advice?
No. Reviewing the immigration requirements while you compare locations can help you avoid commitments that do not fit your intended business or visa strategy.
Build your U.S. expansion plan with immigration in mind
Before you finalize ownership arrangements, commit major funds or sign a lease, speak with counsel about the immigration route that fits your goals.
Vassell Law Group represents international entrepreneurs and companies in federal immigration matters nationwide. Contact us to discuss an E-1, E-2 or L-1 strategy for your U.S. business.
We have successfully processed these U.S. immigration matters for over 25 years. To schedule a consultation, you may email us at info@becapitallaw.com or call / text (703)966-0907. B&E Capital – Vassell Law Group, PC | http://www.vasselllaw.com | http://www.becapitallaw.com | Members of the American Immigration Lawyers (AILA).
For more information see below:
B-1 Visitor Visa: A Strategic Lifeline During U.S. Visa Uncertainty