If you’re exploring opportunities to live, work, or invest in the United States, understanding “what are the 4 types of visa” is essential for choosing the best path forward.
In short, the 4 main visa categories are:
- 1. E-2
- 2. E-1
- 3. L-1A
- 4. EB-5
Each category serves different purposes and has unique requirements. Understanding these differences will help you determine which path aligns with your goals – whether that’s building a business, reuniting with family, or advancing your career. Let’s explore each type in detail.H3:
The Main Difference Between Each of These 4 Types
Before we dive into the specifics of each, here are some quick callouts between the 4 main types of Visa.
| Visa Category | Purpose | Duration | Path to Green Card? | Best For |
| E-2 | Non Immigrant | Varies by Country | Generally no* | Investors that want to start a new business in the USA |
| E-1 | Non Immigrant | Varies by Country | Generally no* | Traders that import/export products or services between the US and their country of nationality. |
| L-1A | Dual Intent | Max of 7 years | Possible transition | Entrepreneurs or high level executives with affiliates/parent companies outside the US |
| EB-5 | Immigrant | 3-6 years typically | Yes. | Green card via investment. |
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Business Expansion
The E-2 visa is a crucial tool for individuals looking to move to the U.S. specifically for the purpose of starting or running a business. While it is technically classified as a nonimmigrant visa (temporary stay), it allows for long-term business activity that can be renewed indefinitely as long as the qualifying business continues to operate and thrive.
This visa is specifically designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and small business owners who want to actively direct and develop a U.S. enterprise.
E-2 Core Requirements and Benefits:
- Treaty Country National: Applicants must be nationals of a country that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S..
- Substantial Investment: The investor must commit a substantial amount of at-risk capital to a bona fide U.S. enterprise, sufficient for the business’s success.
- Business Must Be Active: The enterprise must be a legitimate business capable of generating more than minimal income.
- Renewability and Duration: Validity can range from a few months up to five years, depending on nationality, with two‑year periods of authorized stay per entry.
- Family Benefits: A major advantage is that spouses can apply for work authorization in the U.S., and dependent children can study.
The E-2 visa is an ideal pathway for those who want to control their own U.S. business and provides flexibility and efficiency without a fixed limit on extensions. However, there is no direct permanent residence path from E‑2.
The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa: Substantial International Trade
The E-1 visa is designed to facilitate substantial trade between the United States and a treaty country. It is considered a nonimmigrant visa, meaning it is for temporary stay, but it can be renewed indefinitely. This makes it an excellent, long-term option for businesses heavily involved in international commerce.
E-1 Core Requirements and Benefits:
- Treaty Country National: The applicant must be a national of a country that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S..
- Substantial Trade: The visa is specifically for individuals who conduct substantial trade in goods, services, or technology between their home country and the U.S.. The trade must constitute at least 50% of the company’s total international trade.
- Facilitating Business: The primary benefit of the E-1 is its ability to allow traders and their employees to reside in the U.S. to manage and expand their international business operations.
- No Direct Green Card Path: It is important to note that the E-1 visa does not provide a direct path to U.S. permanent residency (a Green Card). Its focus is strictly on continuous international trade.
- Familiar Benefits: Similar to E-2, spouses can also apply for work authorization and dependent children can study.
- Renewability: This visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the trade requirements continue to be met.
The L-1A Intracompany Transferee Visa: Managing U.S. Operations
The L-1A visa is a powerful nonimmigrant option essential for multinational companies that need to move executives and managers to the United States. It allows these employees to transfer from a foreign office to a qualifying U.S. branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company.
L-1A Core Features and Requirements:
- Executive or Managerial Capacity: The foreign national must have been employed abroad in an executive or managerial capacity for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the petition.
- Transfer Key Personnel: The L-1A is frequently utilized to either staff an existing U.S. operation with essential high-level personnel or to establish a brand-new U.S. office. For new offices, the visa is initially granted for one year, allowing time to staff and develop the enterprise.
- Duration: The visa is typically granted for two to six years and has a maximum stay of seven years.
- Path to Permanent Residence: Crucially, the L-1A is a favored route for executives seeking a Green Card because it is often used as a direct stepping stone toward permanent residence through the EB-1C (Employment-Based, First Preference) immigrant visa category. The EB-1C is specifically for multinational executives and managers and has much faster processing times than many other employment-based Green Card categories.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: The Direct Green Card Path
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program stands out among business visa options because it is the true immigrant investor option and provides a direct path to permanent residence (a Green Card) in the United States.
Unlike the E-2, E-1, and L-1A visas, which are nonimmigrant (temporary), the EB-5 program is specifically designed for foreign investors seeking to immigrate and obtain permanent residency for themselves and their immediate families.
EB-5 Core Requirements and Purpose:
- Substantial Capital Investment: The program requires the investor to commit substantial capital. The minimum investment amount currently starts at $800,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
- Job Creation: The investment must be used to create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
- Direct Path to Green Card: Upon approval, the investor and their qualifying family members are granted conditional permanent resident status, which typically leads to full, unconditional permanent residence after two years, provided the job creation requirements are met.
The EB-5 program is an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals seeking a permanent future in the U.S. through investment.
A Closer Look at the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Now that we know what the 4 types of visa are, let’s focus on one that empowers entrepreneurs, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.
As we mentioned above, this visa allows nationals of treaty countries to live and work in the U.S. by investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide American business. To qualify, you must:
- Be from a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S.
- Invest substantial, at-risk funds committed to the success of your business.
- Actively direct and develop the enterprise.
- Operate a legitimate business capable of generating more than minimal income.
The E-2 doesn’t set a fixed investment amount; however, instead, it considers whether your investment is sufficient for the business’s success. Visas are typically granted for two to five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the enterprise remains active.
Bringing another benefit for investors and founders, the E-2 offers some rare flexibility:
- Control: You manage your own business.
- Renewability: You can extend your stay as long as the company thrives.
- Family Benefits: Spouses can work in the U.S., and dependents can study.
- Efficiency: Processing times are often faster than other visa types.
It is still important to keep in mind that the E-2 is still a nonimmigrant visa, so while it can extend residency for a long time, it doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency.
Understanding what the 4 types of visa are helps you identify the best route for your goals, whether you’re looking to work, study, invest, or build a permanent future in the United States. Each category offers unique opportunities and requirements, and the right choice depends on your plans and priorities. From temporary work and study visas to permanent residence and investor options, the U.S. immigration system provides multiple pathways for success.
At Resendez Immigration Law, we help our clients evaluate their options, meet their requirements, and take steps toward living and working in the U.S. Contact us today for your free consultation and take that first step toward the American dream.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Visa Types
These are the most common questions we hear from clients navigating the U.S. visa process:
What is F-1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4 visa?
These are actually two different visa systems. The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant student visa for academic studies at U.S. colleges, universities, or language programs. The F2A, F2B, F3, and F4 visas are family-based immigrant visa categories. F2A is for spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders. F2B is for unmarried adult children (21 and older) of green card holders. F3 is for married adult children of U.S. citizens. F4 is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (where the citizen is at least 21 years old). These family preference categories typically have long waiting periods due to annual caps.
What is the hardest visa to get?
The EB-1 visa (for individuals with extraordinary ability) is often considered one of the most difficult due to its extremely high standards. You must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim in fields like science, arts, education, business, or athletics. The H-1B visa is also challenging because of its annual lottery system—demand far exceeds the 65,000 annual cap, meaning many qualified applicants are denied simply due to the random selection process. Tourist visas (B-1/B-2) can be surprisingly difficult for applicants from certain countries if consular officers suspect you may overstay or intend to work illegally.
How much does a visa cost?
Visa fees vary significantly by type. Nonimmigrant visa application fees typically range from $185 for tourist/business visas (B-1/B-2) to $315 for treaty investor visas (E-2). Immigrant visa fees start around $325 for the application, plus an additional $220 immigrant fee after approval. However, total costs extend beyond government fees. You should budget for medical examinations ($200-$500), document translations, photos, travel to embassies or consulates, and potentially legal representation. For employment-based visas, employer petition fees can range from $460 to several thousand dollars. Investment visas like the EB-5 require substantial capital commitments starting at $800,000, plus administrative costs.
How long does it take to get a U.S. visa?
Processing times vary dramatically by visa type, your country of origin, and current demand. Nonimmigrant visas typically take 2 weeks to 6 months from application to interview and approval. Tourist and business visas are often processed within a few weeks, while work visas like the H-1B follow an annual timeline with applications in April and start dates in October. Immigrant visas take considerably longer—typically 6 months to several years, depending on the category and your country’s visa bulletin priority dates. Family preference categories (F2A, F3, F4) can have waiting periods of 2 to 20+ years due to annual caps. Employment-based visas like the EB-2 and EB-3 may have backlogs of several years for applicants from high-demand countries like India and China. The E-2 treaty investor visa is relatively quick, usually processing within 2-4 months in most cases.
Can I work in the U.S. on a tourist visa?
No, you cannot legally work in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa. This is one of the most common and serious visa violations. Tourist visas are strictly for pleasure travel, visiting family, medical treatment, or attending conferences and business meetings (without receiving U.S.-source compensation). Working on a tourist visa—even remote work for a foreign employer or unpaid internships—can result in visa revocation, deportation, and a permanent bar from future U.S. entry. If you want to work in the U.S., you must obtain proper work authorization through visas like the H-1B, L-1, O-1, or E-2, or have your spouse hold a visa that permits derivative work authorization.
Which visa type is easiest to get?
Generally, the B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa is considered the easiest for most applicants, provided you can demonstrate strong ties to your home country (employment, property, family) and sufficient funds for your trip. The approval process is relatively straightforward and quick compared to other categories. For citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including most of Western Europe, Japan, and Australia), you don’t need a visa at all for stays under 90 days—you can travel using just ESTA authorization. If you’re from a treaty country and have capital to invest, the E-2 visa offers a relatively accessible path with fewer restrictions than many employment-based categories, though it does require demonstrating a substantial investment in a legitimate U.S. business.
Can I change visa types while in the U.S.?
Yes, in many cases you can change your visa status while in the U.S. through a process called “change of status” by filing Form I-539 or the appropriate petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For example, you might change from F-1 student status to H-1B work status, or from B-2 tourist to F-1 student. However, there are important restrictions. You generally cannot change from the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) to another status. You cannot change to or from certain visa categories while in the U.S., such as the K-1 fiancé visa. Additionally, changing status doesn’t give you a new visa stamp—you’ll need to apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad if you leave the country. Some status changes also have timing restrictions; for instance, applying to change from tourist to student status too soon after entry may be denied for misrepresentation of intent.
What happens if my visa is denied?
If your visa application is denied, the consular officer will provide you with a written explanation stating the reason, typically citing a specific section of U.S. immigration law. The most common reason is Section 214(b), which means the officer wasn’t convinced you would return to your home country after your temporary stay. You have the right to reapply at any time, and there’s no limit on the number of applications you can submit. However, simply reapplying with the same information rarely succeeds. You’ll need to address the specific concerns raised—perhaps by demonstrating stronger ties to your home country, providing additional financial documentation, or clarifying your travel purpose. In some cases, your application may be denied for more serious issues like fraud, criminal history, or prior immigration violations, which may require a waiver. If you believe the denial was in error, an experienced immigration attorney can help you understand your options and strengthen your reapplication.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a visa?
Legally, no—you’re not required to hire an immigration attorney to apply for most U.S. visas. Many people successfully navigate straightforward applications like tourist visas (B-1/B-2) or student visas (F-1) on their own using official resources from the U.S. Department of State. However, attorney representation becomes highly valuable in several situations: if you have a complicated immigration history (prior denials, overstays, or deportations), if you’re applying for complex business or investment visas (E-2, L-1, EB-5), if you have any criminal record, if you’re changing status within the U.S., or if your case involves substantial financial investment or business interests. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes, present your case more effectively, navigate legal complexities, and significantly improve your chances of approval. For business visas in particular, the upfront investment in legal counsel often saves time, money, and stress in the long run.