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During the AILA Central Florida Chapter 2025 Conference, one topic that generated significant discussion among attorneys was how entrepreneurs and executives can move from a temporary visa to a green card through their business. Traditionally, many foreign nationals pursue the L-1A visa, planning to later transition to EB-1C once their U.S. company grows.
That path can certainly work—but it’s not always the smoothest. The L-1A new office visa is initially granted for just 12 months, which often isn’t enough time for a new business to reach the scale and staffing required for an EB-1C petition. Establishing a strong U.S. presence, building operations, and hiring the right team—all within one year—can be challenging.
At the conference, several attorneys shared that there are exceptions where the L-1A route works well. For example, if the foreign company already has U.S. clients, signed contracts, or an existing business pipeline, the American operation can ramp up quickly. But for most entrepreneurs, that short initial window adds unnecessary pressure and risk—especially if the company’s growth takes longer than expected.
An alternative that attorneys are increasingly discussing is the E visa (E-2 or E-1, depending on the treaty country). Nationals from eligible countries may qualify for an E visa valid for up to five years, which offers more breathing room to build and stabilize operations. This longer period allows the business to gain traction, hire key staff, and develop a foundation strong enough to later support an EB-1C petition—without the high stakes of an L-1A renewal.
However, attorneys cautioned that structuring the initial E entity correctly is essential if the goal is to later transition to EB-1C. The relationship between the U.S. and foreign companies must meet specific qualifying criteria from the start.
At Visa Business Plans, we help attorneys and their clients plan with this long-term perspective in mind—crafting business plans that not only meet E visa requirements today but also pave the way for future EB-1C success.
Stay tuned for the next post in our AILA Central Florida Conference series, where we’ll share more insights from attorneys on how visa strategy and business planning go hand in hand.
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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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