E-2 Visa vs. EB-5 for Entrepreneurs: Which One Makes More Sense?

I want to start a business in the U.S. and was looking at the E-2 visa, but I also heard EB-5 might be an option. The investment difference is huge, but E-2 doesn’t lead to a Green Card. For those who have gone through either process, which one worked better for you? Are there creative ways to transition from E-2 to a Green Card?

If you are rich enough and you want to live in the US forever than consider EB-5.
However, if “working” or “investing” is your priority, and you are not interested in paying too much tax and living in the US, then do E-2.

EB5 is basically spam now. Most people will lose money and not getting green card

I certainly recommend e2, eb5 is affected by many factors, my friend and his family have been waiting for more than 5 years and still have not received their green cards.

Great question — you’re spot on about the key differences between E-2 and EB-5, and it’s really smart that you’re thinking long-term about the green card path now instead of later. Here’s a quick breakdown from what I’ve seen and heard from others who went through it:


:backhand_index_pointing_right: E-2 Visa

  • Pros :
    • Much lower investment threshold (typically $100K–$200K depending on the business type)
    • Quick processing time (weeks to a few months)
    • Renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains operational and meets E-2 requirements
    • You can actively run and grow your business
  • Cons :
    • Does not directly lead to a green card
    • Only available for citizens of certain treaty countries (India is not an E-2 country, but Indian citizens with a second passport — e.g., Grenada, Turkey — sometimes qualify)
    • Risk of constant renewals and lack of permanent status

:backhand_index_pointing_right: EB-5 Visa

  • Pros :
    • Direct path to a green card (for you, your spouse, and kids under 21)
    • Flexibility after conditional residency — you don’t have to stay tied to one specific job or employer forever
    • Larger investment, but a one-time effort rather than renewing status
  • Cons :
    • High investment: $800K for a targeted employment area (TEA) project or $1.05M for a non-TEA project
    • Processing can take several years (depending on country of origin and project choice)
    • Requires documentation of lawful source of funds (lots of paperwork!)

:backhand_index_pointing_right: Creative ways people transition from E-2 to Green Card:

  • EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW): If your E-2 business contributes significantly to U.S. national interests (job creation, innovation, etc.), you might qualify for NIW without employer sponsorship.
  • EB-1C Multinational Manager: If you grow your E-2 business into an international company (U.S. + another country) and you take an executive role, you could transition to EB-1C (though this takes smart structuring).
  • EB-5: Some E-2 holders later reinvest profits or raise additional capital to meet EB-5 minimums and apply for EB-5 once ready.
  • Marriage-Based or Employer-Based Options: Some people keep their E-2 business running but switch to another green card route later if opportunities arise (e.g., marriage to a U.S. citizen, an EB-2/EB-3 employer sponsorship).

:white_check_mark: Summary :

If you want speed and lower initial cost, E-2 is a great start — but you’ll eventually need a “Plan B” for a green card.

If you want direct permanent residency and have the funds ready, EB-5 is much cleaner but slower and heavier up front.