At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys recently hosted an in-depth webinar exploring proven strategies for entrepreneurs seeking to obtain U.S. green cards. The session covered practical examples of how startup founders, investors, and business professionals—whether self-petitioning individually or through entities they control—can increase their chances of approval.
Below is a detailed recap of the main immigration pathways our team discussed. For a complete overview of all entrepreneur options, visit our Entrepreneur Green Card Guide.
To determine the best path for your unique situation, schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link today.
Entrepreneur Green Cards: Temporary Visas and Bridge Strategies
Foreign entrepreneurs have several entry options into the United States, including E-1 and E-2 Treaty Visas, which fall under the “temporary worker” category. These visas are available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
To qualify for an E-1 visa, the applicant must:
- Be a citizen of a treaty country.
- Engage in substantial trade between the United States and the treaty country.
- Conduct principal trade primarily between both nations.
What counts as trade?
Trade can include goods, services, technology transfer, international banking, insurance, tourism, transportation, or news-gathering activities.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 visa is similar but focuses on investment rather than trade. To qualify, an investor must:
- Be a national of a treaty country.
- Have invested—or be in the process of investing—a substantial amount of capital in a legitimate U.S. enterprise.
- Intend to enter the U.S. solely to develop and direct the business. This can be shown through at least 50% ownership or operational control in a managerial role.
H-1B Visa: Specialty Occupations and Employer Relationship
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree. Each year, USCIS conducts an H-1B lottery, offering 65,000 regular cap slots and 20,000 master’s cap slots for advanced degree holders.
Employers must register prospective employees, and those selected can submit full petitions with supporting documents. Upon approval, employment typically begins on October 1st of that year.
L-1A Visa: Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
The L-1A visa allows multinational companies to transfer executives or managers to a U.S. office, including startup founders expanding their foreign businesses into the U.S. To qualify:
- The applicant must have worked for the overseas company for at least one continuous year within the past three years in an executive or managerial role.
- The U.S. entity must have a qualifying relationship—such as parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch—with the foreign company.
This visa is often used as a bridge toward permanent residency through the EB-1C Green Card.
O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
The O-1 visa is designed for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in business, science, education, the arts, or athletics. Applicants must demonstrate a record of sustained national or international acclaim.
Because the O-1 does not permit self-petitioning, the visa must be filed by a U.S. employer or authorized agent.
Entrepreneur Parole: Innovation-Focused Pathway
Entrepreneur Parole is a unique “bridge” option for founders who have received significant investment from qualified U.S. investors or government entities. This status allows recipients to work and travel in the U.S. while developing their startups.
Investment thresholds include:
- At least $250,000 from private U.S. investors, or
- $100,000 from government sources (federal or state).
Unlike the E-1 or E-2, this route relies on third-party funding rather than personal capital.
EB-1A Green Card: Extraordinary Ability
The EB-1A is often referred to as the “top-tier green card” because it is reserved for individuals recognized among the best in their field—typically the top 5% worldwide.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
- Distinction in their field through major achievements or recognition.
- Sustained contributions that show consistent excellence.
- National or international acclaim with supporting evidence of awards, publications, or professional impact.
This category allows self-petitioning, making it ideal for accomplished entrepreneurs and innovators.
EB-1C Green Card: Multinational Executives and Managers
The EB-1C category provides permanent residency for executives or managers transferring from a foreign company to a U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary.
Benefits include:
- No PERM Labor Certification requirement.
- Eligibility for those who have worked abroad for at least one year in an executive or managerial capacity.
- The U.S. employer must have been in operation for at least one year and actively conducting business.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
The EB-2 NIW allows foreign professionals to self-petition for a green card if their work benefits the national interest of the United States.
To qualify, applicants must show:
- Their proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance.
- They are well-positioned to advance that endeavor.
- It would be beneficial to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements.
This category is often a strong fit for founders, researchers, and professionals leading projects aligned with U.S. economic or technological priorities.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The EB-5 visa grants permanent residency through investment in a new U.S. enterprise. The minimum investment amounts are:
- $1.05 million for a standard investment, or
- $800,000 if located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
Benefits of the EB-5 program include:
- No job offer or employer sponsorship required.
- No need to maintain a foreign business or prove extraordinary ability.
This path is particularly attractive for investors seeking to live and work permanently in the U.S. while contributing to job creation and economic growth.
The Next Steps
If you are an entrepreneur, investor, or startup founder exploring U.S. immigration options, the best way to move forward is through a personalized consultation with the experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link.
Our team has successfully guided thousands of business owners and professionals through the green card process—and we’re ready to help you chart your path to success in the United States.
Schedule a Consultation Today and take the first step toward your American business future.