Compare the major entrepreneur, investor, executive and extraordinary-ability pathways on the characteristics that actually decide between them.
Interactive tool
Business & Investor Visa Comparison Tool
A side-by-side comparison of the entrepreneur, investor, executive and achievement pathways you select, measured against the priorities you choose.
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What this tool compares
The comparison covers the classifications most often weighed by entrepreneurs, investors, executives and high-achieving professionals: E-2, L-1A, O-1, EB-1A, EB-1C, EB-2 NIW and EB-5. For each, it sets out the nature of the status, who it is associated with, whether capital is required, whether it leads to permanent residence and what corporate relationship it presumes.
What it does not do
It does not assess eligibility, verify treaty nationality, weigh evidence, or predict processing times. Statutory investment amounts, fees and backlogs change; verify those against current government sources before relying on them.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
- Can this tool tell me which visa I should apply for?
- No. It describes how the categories differ so that you can have a more precise conversation with counsel. Choosing a category requires analysis of your specific facts and documents.
Official sources
Consult the official sources above for current rules and procedures.