Can I Get a Green Card If I Start a Business in the U.S.?

Starting a business in the U.S. is an exciting opportunity for foreign investors—but many wonder:

Can launching a business in the U.S. lead to a green card?

The answer is: yes, it’s possible—but not automatic. Owning or launching a business in the U.S. can absolutely be part of your path to permanent residency, but it must be done strategically and through the right immigration channels and legal counsel.

Here’s what you need to know.

First: You’ll Need the Right Visa to Conduct Business in the U.S.

Before you can even think about permanent residency, you need to be in the U.S. legally—and have a visa that allows you to run, manage, or invest in a business. A qualified immigration attorney is positioned to advise you in this regard. Some of the most common visa options for entrepreneurs and investors include:

E-2 Visa: For Treaty Investors

The E-2 visa is for nationals of countries that maintain a commerce treaty with the U.S. It allows you to make a substantial investment in a business and manage that business directly.

Pros:

• Flexible requirements

• Fast processing times

• You can start or buy a business

Limitations:

• It’s a non-immigrant visa (not a direct path to a green card)

• Only available to nationals of E-2 treaty countries

While E-2 doesn’t directly lead to a green card, many investors use it as a launching point. Investors must consult with an immigration attorney for eventually adjusting status through options like EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), EB-1C, or EB-5, depending on how their business evolves.

L-1A Visa: For Executives and Managers Transferring from Abroad

The L-1A visa is for multinational companies looking to transfer a manager or executive to a U.S. office. If you’re a foreign business owner, you can use the L-1A to open a new U.S. branch and relocate yourself to manage it.

Pros:

• Allows direct involvement in business operations

• May lead to a green card under the EB-1C category

• Strong option for experienced business owners expanding internationally

Limitations:

• Requires an established business abroad

• Must show a clear managerial or executive role

EB-5 Visa: For Investors Creating U.S. Jobs

The EB-5 visa is the most direct path from business ownership to a green card. To qualify, you must invest:

• $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), or

• $1,050,000 in a non-TEA business

And you must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Pros:

• Direct path to permanent residency

• No need for a sponsor

• Family members can also receive green cards

Limitations:

• Requires substantial investment

• Intense documentation and compliance

• Long processing times in some specific cases

Start or Buy a Business—But Make Sure It’s the Right One

Whether you’re launching a startup from scratch or buying an existing business, either approach can be a smart move—but not every business will qualify for visa or green card purposes.

Your business must:

• Be real and operational

• Align with the requirements of your specific visa

• Support your active involvement or managerial control

• Show job creation or national interest value depending on the visa category

Buying a business that doesn’t meet these criteria—or starting one without a solid, visa-compliant strategy—can waste time and money. That’s why your business must be carefully selected, documented, and structured from day one.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can get a green card by starting or buying a business in the U.S.—but only if it’s done through the right strategy and the right business model. Not all businesses will work, and not all investments qualify.

That’s where we come in.

We help foreign investors identify and buy viable U.S. businesses or launch startups through a proven methodology that aligns with both your financial and immigration goals. Once your business direction is clear, we:

• Write a credible, strategic business plan for your application based on the visa recommended by your immigration attorney

• Prepare your operation for visa renewal and long-term growth

• Offer smart bookkeeping and compliance tools to keep your business on track

We offer a full suite of services to help you launch, grow, and sustain your U.S. business—starting with the right strategic plan.

Stop wasting money trying to DIY. Contact us today to take the first step in the right direction.

Contact us today to get started

The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.

Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.

If you are looking for any of the following, we can help you!

EB-5 Visa Business Plans

EB5 Business Plans

L1A Business Plans

L Visa Business Plans

L-1 Visa Business Plans

E2 Business Plans

E2 Visa Business Plans

E1 Business Plans

E1 Visa Business Plans

Business Plan for Investor Visa

Business Plans for Immigration

Business Plan for Visa Application

Market Analysis

Feasibility Studies

Investor Visas Business Plans

NIW Business Plans

NIW Personal Endeavor Plan

NIW Personal Statement

EB-2 Visa Business Plans

Visa Business Plans