Read the general pathway comparison overview
Regular U.S. visits can be part of different business proposals. Determine whether the actual facts support a qualifying company transfer or treaty investment before using the travel schedule to organize the next steps.
Assess the L-1 employment and operating group
The entities must have a qualifying parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate relationship and continuing U.S. and foreign business. Generally a continuous full-time foreign year in the relevant preceding three years may be managerial, executive or specialized knowledge; U.S. days do not count. The actual U.S. role separately must satisfy L-1A management or executive duties or L-1B specialized knowledge. Travel between offices does not prove those facts.
Assess the E-2 capital and directing role
Relevant treaty nationals must own at least 50% of the enterprise, and the investor must develop and direct through at least 50% ownership or other qualifying operational control. E-2 requires lawful substantial capital committed at risk in a real nonmarginal business, with no universal minimum. The operation must support more than minimal living for the investor and family or a significant economic contribution. Intent to depart when E status ends is also required.
Use launch conditions where the actual business is new
For L new-office treatment, U.S. doing business is less than one year and initial approval is at most one year. L-1A requires a managerial or executive foreign year, premises and support for the qualifying role within one year of approval. L-1B needs premises and ability to pay the worker and begin business. E-2 examines the genuine investment and enterprise instead. Tickets and commercial dates provide no automatic work permission under either route.
What else is on your mind?
Does being a business owner or director qualify me for L-1A?What employment history should an L-1 transfer review cover?What makes a new-office L-1A case different?How should an owner compare L-1 and E-2?Editorial source review: 2026-09-08. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.