If you’re living in Italy and dreaming about a new life in the United States, you’re not alone. Many Italian citizens successfully make the move every year — but to do it legally and permanently, you’ll need the right visa strategy.
The good news?
There are several visa options available that could make your American dream a reality.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular paths for Italian nationals:
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Italy is one of the many countries that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S., which means Italian citizens are eligible to apply for the E-2 visa.
The E-2 visa allows you to invest a substantial amount of capital into a U.S. business — either by starting a new one or purchasing an existing one — and live in the U.S. to manage it.
There’s no official minimum investment amount, but it must be enough to make the business operational and profitable. Common investments range from around $100,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on the type of business.
The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning it doesn’t lead directly to a green card — but it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues to meet requirements.
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
Another option for Italians is the E-1 visa, also based on a treaty agreement.
The E-1 visa is available to individuals or companies that carry out substantial trade between Italy and the United States.
Trade can include goods, services, or technology, and at least 50% of the total international trade must be between the U.S. and Italy.
If you own a company that actively exports or imports products or services between the two countries, the E-1 could be a strong option.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
For Italians with an advanced degree, exceptional ability, or entrepreneurial goals, the EB-2/NIW visa offers a different route.
The National Interest Waiver (NIW) allows applicants to request a waiver of the U.S. job offer and labor certification requirements if they can show that their work will benefit the United States significantly.
Entrepreneurs, researchers, professionals, and individuals with strong business plans often succeed with the NIW.
One of the keys to a successful NIW petition is showing that your endeavor has national importance, will be beneficial to the U.S., and that you are well-positioned to carry it out.
This visa leads to a green card, making it a popular option for those seeking permanent residency.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
If you have the financial means, the EB-5 visa offers a direct path to a green card through investment.
The EB-5 program requires a minimum investment of either $800,000 (in targeted employment areas) or $1,050,000 (in non-targeted areas) into a U.S. commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
EB-5 is attractive for investors who want permanent residency and are ready to make a larger financial commitment to the U.S. economy.
A Strategic Plan is Key to Success
Whichever visa path you pursue — E-2, E-1, EB-2/NIW, or EB-5 — you’ll need a strong, credible business plan to support your petition.
That’s where we come in.
Unlike typical business plan services that simply draft documents, we focus on immigration success. Every plan we create is specifically tailored to meet the standards immigration officers are trained to look for.
We don’t just “write” business plans — we analyze, identify potential risks, and build a compelling case around your goals to help maximize your chances of approval.
It’s this mindset — focused on visa approval — that sets our work apart.
And because we know moving to a new country is already challenging enough, our team proudly supports clients in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
If you’re ready to move from Italy to the United States, contact us today.
Let’s build a powerful, credible business plan to support your visa petition — and help you take the first step toward your new future.
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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