Key Differences Between L-1A Visa & EB-5 Visa – All You Need To Know
Do you wish to invest, work, or settle in the United States? In this article, we will discuss which US visa is best for you by comparing between L-1A and EB-5 visa. So, let’s go through their differences and the benefits.
Everyone from around the world wants to settle and work in the United States. There would be a huge crowd who are not aware of the types of visas to settle in the United States. Here, we will try to understand the major differences between the two popular visas including L-1A and EB-5 visas.
So, let’s proceed.
What Is L-1 A Visa?
Under the L-1 A visa, the organization can transfer its executives, workers, and the specialized knowledge workers of the MNCs to the United States. Also, the executives of multinational companies can be transferred under the intra-company transfer process to the United States. This visa is helpful as it allows the managers of the companies to work in the United States and fulfill their dreams.
EB-5 Visa: What Is It?
The EB-5 visa allows foreign investors to become permanent residents in the United States. The minimum investment is required in the EB-5 visa which easily generates at least 10 full-time jobs for Americans.
Without getting employer sponsorship, multinational managers, and executives can get permanent residency from getting the L-1A visa to the EB-5 visa.
Difference Between The L-1A Visa And The EB-5 Visa
The following table explains the difference between the L-1A visa and the EB-5 visa.
| L-1A Visa | EB-5 Visa |
| After operating an office for a year and receiving approval, the company may apply for a green card. can choose the EB-1C path in certain situations if the US office has been running for more than a year and can pay wages in the US. | Applying directly for a two-year Green Card |
| Greater freedom and fewer limitations | Additional limitations, such as limiting investments to infrastructure projects, high unemployment areas, or rural areas |
| It only takes five or six employees. | Make ten full-time, direct jobs. |
| There is no minimum investment needed. | A minimum of USD 1 million or USD 8,000,000 must be invested. |
| Visa for non-immigrants | Results in a temporary residency |
Eligibility For L1-A Visa
The eligibility for the L1-A visa is as follows:
The workers who are working in managerial or executive positions (L1-A visa) can get intercompany transfers in the United States.
Also, managers and executives who have worked for more than 1 year for an international company with a US branch are eligible for this visa. Before the entry in the United States, the employment history must have ended for no more than 3 years.
Eligibility For EB-5 Visa
The following are the criteria for quality for the EB-5 visa:
The US citizen should get at least a full-time job.
- For the targeted employment area which includes the rural area or the region of high unemployment, the minimum investment should be USD 800,000
Benefits Of Obtaining An EB-5 Visa From L-1A Visa
Following are some of the benefits of getting the EB-5 visa from the L-1A visa:
Travel and live anywhere In the United States: You can travel and reside in the United States with your dependent spouse and children without any restrictions. You and your dependents are free to enter and exit the United States for one year to maintain the Green Card status.
Work without getting the employer sponsorship: While working in the US with this visa you do not need any sort of getting the employer sponsorship. You are free to work in the United States with this visa.
Be eligible for the reduced education costs: As permanent residents, you and your children can enjoy in-state or resident tuition rates in academic institutions in the United States.
Wrapping Up
It is crucial to take your career and personal objectives into account before deciding between an L1-A or EB-5 visa. Both the EB-5 and L1-A Visas have special advantages, but they are very different in terms of qualifying, requirements for investments, ability to create jobs, and permanent residency. It is advised that you consult an expert to assist you in selecting the visa that best meets your unique needs and requirements.
So, don’t wait too long!!! Just get in touch with the team of US Area Immigration Services as we have a 100% approval rate on EB-5 and have great experience with the L-1A visa. You can contact us if you want more information about L-1A and EB-5 visas or if you are looking for your immigration process to run smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When After an L-1 Can You Apply for an EB-5 Visa?
As long as your L1 status is active, you are eligible to apply for an EB-5 visa. The maximum duration of an L-1A visa is seven years. The maximum duration of the L-1B Visa is five years. Holders of L1A visas may simultaneously file Forms I-526 and I-485 to expedite the conversion of their L1 visas to EB 5 visas. If your L-1 status is revoked, you must go back to your country of origin and apply for an EB5 visa through consular processing. When After an L-1 Can You Apply for an EB-5 Visa?
Is an L-1 Visa Required to File for an EB-5 Visa?
No, obtaining an L-1 Visa is unnecessary to apply for an EB-5 Visa. The primary prerequisites for an EB5 Visa are a minimum investment and the creation of 10 full-time jobs for citizens of the United States.