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Which U.S. Visa May Fit Your Plans?

Every week, clients ask us the same question: “Which U.S. visa is right for me?” That is why we put together this brief quiz to help you identify possible options and start a more informed conversation with the immigration attorney of your choice. Ready for more clarity? Let’s get started!

Choose the answer that best describes your situation. At the end, count how many A, B, C, D, and E answers you selected.

1. What best describes your plans in the United States?

A. Investing in and directing a U.S. business.
B. Conducting trade between the United States and my home country.
C. Expanding an established foreign company into the United States.
D. Advancing an endeavor related to my professional expertise.
E. Making a significant investment that will create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.

2. What is the strongest foundation for your application?

A. A substantial investment in a U.S. business that I will direct.
B. An existing and substantial flow of international trade.
C. An active foreign company and my executive or managerial experience with that company.
D. My advanced education, exceptional ability, achievements, and professional experience.
E. At least $800,000 or $1.05 million in lawfully obtained investment capital, depending on the project and location.

3. Which statement best describes your business or proposed endeavor?

A. It is a real U.S. business that is operating or close to becoming operational.
B. It regularly exchanges goods or services between the United States and another country.
C. The U.S. operation is or will be related to an established foreign company.
D. It addresses an important need and could create an impact at the local, state, and national levels.
E. It will create at least 10 qualifying full-time jobs in the United States.

4. What role will you perform?

A. I will own and direct the U.S. business.
B. I will develop and oversee the company’s international trade.
C. I will work in an executive or managerial role for the U.S. company.
D. I will use my education and experience to advance the proposed endeavor.
E. I will invest in a qualifying commercial enterprise, either directly or through a regional center.

5. Which additional fact applies most closely to you?

A. I am a national of an E-2 treaty country.
B. I am a national of an E-1 treaty country, and more than 50% of the company’s international trade is with the United States.
C. I worked for the qualifying foreign company for at least one continuous year during the applicable three-year period.
D. My proposed endeavor is directly related to my background, and I have evidence showing that I am well positioned to advance it.
E. I can document the lawful source and path of my investment funds.

Your Results

Mostly A: E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 may fit someone from a treaty country who will make a substantial investment in and direct a U.S. business. The funds must be committed and placed at risk, and the business must have the capacity to become more than marginal.

Mostly B: E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

The E-1 may fit someone from a treaty country whose company conducts substantial trade principally between the United States and that country. Trade may involve goods, services, technology, transportation, or other qualifying activities.

Mostly C: L-1A Intracompany Transferee Visa

The L-1A may fit an executive or manager transferring from an established foreign company to a related U.S. operation. The foreign and U.S. companies must have a qualifying relationship, and the foreign company must generally continue operating.

Mostly D: EB-2 National Interest Waiver

The NIW may fit a professional or entrepreneur with an advanced degree or exceptional ability whose proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance. The

endeavor should relate to the applicant’s background, make sense operationally, and demonstrate the potential for broader impact.

Mostly E: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa

The EB-5 may fit someone prepared to invest at least $800,000 or $1.05 million, depending on the project and location, in a qualifying commercial enterprise that will create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.

Did You Get a Tie?

More than one visa category may be relevant to your situation. However, that does not mean each option is equally appropriate. Your nationality, background, business activities, investment, available evidence, and long-term goals can all affect the strategy.

Visa Business Plans is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This quiz is intended to help you recognize which visa options may be relevant and start a more informed conversation with a qualified immigration attorney. Your attorney can evaluate your circumstances and determine the appropriate legal strategy.

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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