For many international students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and families, arriving in the United States marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. However, the path to staying in the U.S. long-term is often uncertain. The American visa system provides several temporary options, each with its own limitations, expiration periods, and ongoing requirements. As individuals plan for their futures in the U.S., it’s critical to understand the visa types available to them and how the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program can offer a reliable, permanent solution.
B1/B2 Visitor Visa
The B1/B2 visa is issued for short-term travel to the United States, typically for business (B1) or tourism and medical visits (B2). It is one of the most commonly issued visas worldwide. While it allows individuals to attend meetings, visit family, or seek medical care, it does not permit employment or any form of long-term residence. The duration is usually up to six months, with potential extensions under specific circumstances. For visitors who come to explore opportunities or evaluate options for long-term immigration, this visa is often the starting point. However, it is not designed for permanent settlement.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 visa is intended for individuals pursuing full-time academic programs or language training at accredited U.S. institutions. It allows foreign students to study in the United States for the duration of their academic program. Upon graduation, students may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which offers up to 12 months of work authorization, or up to 36 months for STEM graduates. However, the F-1 visa is temporary and does not directly lead to a Green Card. Once OPT ends, the student must either transfer to another program, change visa status, or leave the country.
H-1B Work Visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations such as engineering, IT, healthcare, and finance. The visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years. However, the H-1B program is capped annually and requires selection through a highly competitive lottery system. In recent years, demand has significantly outpaced availability, with hundreds of thousands of applicants competing for a limited number of visas. Moreover, H-1B status is tied to continued employment with a sponsoring employer. Job loss can lead to immediate visa issues, placing the individual at risk of losing legal status.
L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa
The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to affiliated offices in the United States. There are two categories under this visa: L-1A for executives and managers, and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge. L-1A holders may stay for up to seven years, while L-1B holders are limited to five years. While the L-1 visa supports international business operations, it remains employer-dependent and temporary in nature. Any change in company structure or employment status can impact the individual’s legal right to stay.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. It allows individuals to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business and live in the U.S. to develop and direct that enterprise. E-2 visas are typically issued for two years and can be renewed indefinitely, provided the business remains active and operational. However, there is no minimum investment threshold defined, and the visa does not provide a direct path to a Green Card. The visa holder must continue to operate the business to maintain status, which can become a long-term burden.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
The O-1 visa is intended for individuals who possess extraordinary ability or have a record of distinguished achievement in fields such as science, education, business, arts, or athletics. It is granted based on documented national or international recognition and typically requires evidence of awards, media coverage, or other indicators of professional acclaim. The visa is usually granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended. However, it is employer-specific and does not provide a direct route to permanent residency.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The EB-5 program is a U.S. immigration pathway that allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency through investment. To qualify, an individual must invest $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project or $1.05 million in a standard project. The investment must lead to the creation of at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs. In return, the investor, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21 can obtain U.S. Green Cards. Unlike other visa types, EB-5 does not require employer sponsorship, a job offer, or ongoing business management. With the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, concurrent filing now allows eligible applicants already in the U.S. to adjust their immigration status while awaiting petition approval, often receiving work authorization within months. For those looking to build a long-term future in the United States, the EB-5 program is a reliable, flexible, and secure path to permanent residency.
Other Common U.S. Visas
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: The J-1 visa is issued to individuals participating in approved exchange programs, including students, interns, scholars, and medical trainees. It is often used for cultural exchange and professional development. While it allows for temporary residence and training in the U.S., it comes with a potential two-year home-country physical presence requirement before the individual can apply for certain U.S. visas or Green Cards.
TN Visa (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement): The TN visa enables citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. in certain professional occupations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). While TN status is relatively quick to obtain and renewable, it is strictly tied to employment and offers no direct pathway to permanent residency.
