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For many foreign professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs, building a life in the United States is more than a business move—it’s a long-term goal. And at the center of that goal is one big question:
How do I get permanent residency in the U.S.?
Also known as a green card, permanent residency allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, travel more freely, and—after meeting eligibility requirements—apply for U.S. citizenship. But getting there involves strategy, timing, and a visa pathway that supports your long-term objectives.
Let’s take a look at two of the most common employment-based paths to permanent residency, and how some temporary visa holders—like E-2 investors—can position themselves to apply for green cards in the future.
Employment-Based Green Card Categories
The U.S. immigration system offers several employment-based green card categories—including EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5. Among these, EB-2 and EB-5 are two of the most practical and widely used by foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
EB-2: For Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
The EB-2 visa is designed for foreign nationals with an advanced degree (or its equivalent), or those who can demonstrate exceptional ability in their field.
One of the most powerful options under EB-2 is the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows individuals to self-petition for a green card if their proposed work will significantly benefit the U.S. This is an increasingly popular option for entrepreneurs, researchers, and consultants whose work has national economic or social importance.
The EB-2/NIW is ideal for those who don’t have a traditional employer sponsor and want to build or expand their own business in the U.S.
EB-5: For Investors Creating U.S. Jobs
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a direct path to permanent residency for investors who are willing to put significant capital into a new U.S. business and create jobs for American workers.
To qualify, investors must:
- Invest at least $800,000 in a rural or Targeted Employment Area (TEA), or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA/rural location
- Create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers
- Play an active role in the business or be involved in policy formation
The EB-5 visa is often a good fit for foreign nationals who already have business experience and access to capital—and want a direct, structured path to a green card through entrepreneurship.
Can E-2 Visa Holders Get a Green Card?
The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is a popular non-immigrant visa for foreign nationals who want to run a business in the U.S. While the E-2 itself does not lead directly to permanent residency, many E-2 visa holders explore strategies to transition to a green card later on.
For example:
- Some E-2 investors adjust to an EB-5 if they reinvest capital and meet job creation requirements
- Others transition to EB-2 NIW if they qualify through innovation, entrepreneurship, or national interest
These options involve careful planning and the support of an experienced immigration attorney—but the path is possible.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting permanent residency in the U.S.—but there are clear, structured options for those willing to invest in a business, a skillset, or a long-term contribution to the country.
We help foreign investors and professionals assess the right business opportunity, structure it strategically, and prepare a solid business plan for their visa application. Our proprietary process begins by aligning your financial and immigration goals, followed by the development of a credible, compelling business plan to support your visa. From there, we continue to support your success with smart bookkeeping and tools to ensure your business thrives and stays ready for visa renewals or status adjustments.
Looking to build a business that supports your green card goals? Contact us today.
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.
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EB-5 Visa Business Plans
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L Visa Business Plans
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Business Plan for Investor Visa
Business Plans for Immigration
Business Plan for Visa Application
Market Analysis
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NIW Personal Endeavor Plan
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EB-2 Visa Business Plans
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