U.S. investor visas: E-2, E-1 and EB-5

U.S. investor visa requirements depend on the path. E-2 is temporary, for treaty-country nationals, and needs a substantial, at-risk investment in a business you run, with no fixed minimum. EB-5 is a green card and needs $800,000 or $1,050,000 and 10 full-time jobs. Merit Law LLP reviews which path fits.

A business visa, the B-1, is for short trips like meetings and contract talks, not for working in or running a U.S. business. To invest and run one, E-2 admits you up to 2 years at a time; EB-5 gives a green card. Merit Law LLP reviews which fits.

E-2 is a renewable temporary status for treaty-country nationals with no fixed minimum; EB-5 is a green card that needs $800,000 or $1,050,000 and 10 full-time jobs (October 2026). Turkey is on the E-2 list, China is not, and EB-5 accepts any nationality. Merit Law LLP compares both.

How much to invest for a U.S. visa depends on the visa. E-2 has no fixed minimum; the State Department's manual says 100% of a $100,000 start-up would normally be enough. EB-5 needs $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area (October 2026). An attorney reviews whether it is substantial.

Chinese citizens cannot get E-1 or E-2 status, because China (the People's Republic) is not on the State Department's treaty list. EB-5 accepts any nationality and needs $800,000 or $1,050,000 (October 2026). L-1 is another route if you have a company abroad. An attorney reviews.