Investor Visa USA: The Best Pathways for Entrepreneurs in Georgia & Alabama

How an Investor Visa Can Open Doors 

Georgia and Alabama are becoming top destinations for foreign investors looking to expand their businesses in the U.S. With a strong economy, pro-business policies, and affordable real estate, these states offer excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs. 

But if you’re a foreign investor, securing the right visa is crucial. The Investor Visa USA program provides multiple pathways to live and work in the U.S. based on business investment. Whether you’re launching a startup, buying a business, or expanding an existing company, there’s a visa option that fits your goals. 

This guide breaks down the EB-5, E-2, and L-1 visas, comparing their benefits, requirements, and application processes. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which visa suits your investment plans and how to get started. 

What Are the Best Investor Visa Options for Entrepreneurs in Georgia and Alabama? 

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa: A Path to a Green Card 

The EB-5 visa is one of the most attractive investor visas because it leads to a U.S. Green Card. It was created to encourage foreign investments that stimulate the U.S. economy. 

Key Requirements: 

• • Investment Amount: $1.05 million, or $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) (rural or high-unemployment areas). 

• • Job Creation: The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. 

• • Investment Type: Direct business ownership or investment through a Regional Center. 

Pros of the EB-5 Visa: 

• • Provides a direct path to a Green Card for investors and their families. 

• • No day-to-day business management required for Regional Center investments. 

• • Investors can live anywhere in the U.S., not just in the state where they invest. 

Cons: 

• • Long processing times (typically 2–5 years). 

• • Higher financial commitment compared to other visas. 

Example: A South Korean investor used the EB-5 program to develop a hotel and conference center in Montgomery, Alabama. The $900,000 investment helped create over 20 full-time jobs, meeting the program’s requirements. The investor and their family received conditional Green Cards, which later became permanent after proving job creation. 

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Best for Small Business Owners 

The E-2 visa is a great option if you want to own and operate a business in the U.S. It allows investors from treaty countries to live in the U.S. as long as they continue managing their business. 

Key Requirements: 

• • Investment Amount: No fixed minimum, but typically $100,000+ is recommended.

• • Business Ownership: Must actively manage at least 50% of the business. 

• • Renewability: The visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational. 

Pros of the E-2 Visa: 

• • Lower investment requirement than EB-5. 

• • Faster processing times (often within months). 

• • Allows spouses to apply for U.S. work authorization. 

Cons: 

• • Only available to investors from treaty countries (e.g., U.K., Canada, Japan, Germany). 

• • Does not lead to a Green Card unless another pathway is pursued. 

Example: A Turkish entrepreneur invested $120,000 to open a Mediterranean restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. Within two years, the business grew, employing five full-time staff. The investor successfully renewed their E-2 visa and later expanded to a second location. 

L-1 Visa: For Expanding Your Business to the U.S. 

The L-1 visa is ideal for business owners who want to expand their company into the U.S. It allows managers and executives to transfer from a foreign office to a new or existing U.S. branch. 

Key Requirements: 

• • Company Requirement: The foreign business must be operational for at least one year. 

• • U.S. Expansion: The investor must establish a new U.S. office or manage an existing one. 

• • Green Card Pathway: Can transition to an EB-1C Green Card after one year. 

Pros of the L-1 Visa: 

• • No investment amount required. 

• • Allows transfer of employees from the foreign business. 

• • Can lead to a Green Card through EB-1C. 

Cons: 

• • Must actively run the business. 

• • Limited to businesses with international operations. 

Example: A Mexican IT consulting firm opened a U.S. branch in Birmingham, Alabama, using an L-1 visa to transfer its CEO. After a successful year, the company applied for an EB-1C Green Card, allowing the executive to remain in the U.S. permanently. 

EB-5 vs. E-2 vs. L-1: Which Investor Visa Is Right for You? 

Factor	EB-5 Visa	E-2 Visa	L-1 Visa
Investment Amount	$800,000–$1.05M	Typically, $100,000+	No fixed investment
Business Ownership	Optional	Required (50%+)	Required (new office)
Job Creation	10+ U.S. jobs	Indirectly required	No requirement
Green Card Pathway	Yes	No	Yes (via EB-1C)
Processing Time	2–5 years	Months	~1 year

If you want permanent residency, the EB-5 or L-1 (with EB-1C) is your best choice. If you’re looking for a faster, lower-cost option, the E-2 visa might be ideal. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Investor Visa 

• • Not proving the legal source of funds (EB-5). 

• • Investing too little (E-2). 

• • Choosing the wrong business structure (L-1). 

• • Ignoring visa processing times. 

• • Not working with an immigration attorney. 

Why Georgia and Alabama Are Great for Investor Visa Holders 

• • Business-friendly tax policies. 

• • Booming industries: Manufacturing, tech, logistics, and agriculture. 

• • Affordable commercial real estate. 

• • Easy access to international markets via Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport & Alabama’s port system.