How to Get a USA Entrepreneur Visa (Founder & Investor Guide)

Starting a business in the United States is a powerful opportunity — but for foreign founders and investors, navigating US immigration can feel like an obstacle course.

There is no single “USA entrepreneur visa.” Instead, business owners must choose from several visa pathways depending on their nationality, company structure, funding, and long-term plans. Choosing the wrong path — or structuring it incorrectly — is one of the biggest reasons applications get delayed or denied.

This guide explains how entrepreneurs actually get a US visa, which options are most common for founders and investors, and how working with an experienced immigration partner like Deel can dramatically reduce red tape.

Why entrepreneurs choose the US to build their companies

More than half of US billion-dollar startups were founded by immigrants. The US continues to attract entrepreneurs because of:

• Access to the world’s largest consumer and enterprise markets
• Deep venture capital and angel investor networks
• Strong startup ecosystems across cities like San Francisco, New York, Austin, and Miami
• A regulatory environment that rewards innovation and scale

But opportunity alone isn’t enough — you need the right immigration strategy to operate legally and grow with confidence.

What is a US entrepreneur visa?

The US does not offer a single visa called an “entrepreneur visa.” Instead, founders and investors typically qualify through existing business and work visa categories, including:

• E-2 visa (treaty investors)
• E-1 visa (treaty traders)
• O-1A visa (extraordinary ability founders)
• L-1A visa (founders expanding an overseas business)
• International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) (limited, temporary parole option)

Each option comes with different eligibility rules, timelines, and operational freedoms — which is why early planning matters.

The most common US visa options for founders and investors

E-2 visa (Treaty Investor)

The E-2 visa allows nationals of treaty countries to move to the US by making a substantial investment in a US business they actively direct and develop.

• No fixed minimum investment amount
• Renewable indefinitely
• Ideal for founders and investors who want hands-on control
• Requires careful business and ownership structuring

E-1 visa (Treaty Trader)

The E-1 visa is for entrepreneurs whose business conducts substantial international trade between the US and their treaty country.

• Best for cross-border businesses and trading companies
• Requires ongoing, measurable trade activity
• Renewable and flexible if structured correctly

O-1A visa (Extraordinary Ability)

Often used by tech founders, researchers, and executives with strong professional track records.

• No nationality restrictions
• No minimum salary or investment
• No annual cap or lottery
• Requires evidence of exceptional achievement

Warch: Start your US business with the O-1 visa

L-1A visa

For founders expanding an existing overseas business into the US.

• Requires at least one year of prior employment abroad
• Strong option for later-stage companies
• Can lead to permanent residency

How to apply for an E-1 or E-2 visa as a founder or investor

For many entrepreneurs, the E-1 and E-2 visas are the most direct paths — but they are also easy to get wrong without proper guidance.

At a high level, the process includes:

1. Confirming treaty eligibility based on nationality
2. Structuring the US entity correctly (ownership, control, capitalization)
3. Preparing a detailed business plan that demonstrates viability and growth
4. Documenting investment funds or trade activity
5. Submitting the visa application through the appropriate US consulate
6. Attending a visa interview and responding to follow-up requests

Where founders often struggle:

• Under-documented investments
• Weak business plans
• Incorrect ownership structures
• Inconsistent filings across entities
• Delays caused by fragmented legal support

This is where working with a centralized immigration partner can significantly reduce friction.

How business owners reduce red tape when moving to the US

Most visa delays aren’t caused by eligibility — they’re caused by poor coordination.

Founders who relocate smoothly typically:

• Choose the right visa before forming the US entity
• Align immigration, legal, and business documentation early
• Avoid juggling multiple advisors across email and spreadsheets
• Use a single platform to manage filings, deadlines, and compliance

Using an immigration service like Deel allows founders to handle everything in one place — from eligibility checks to renewals — without losing momentum.

Which service handles E-1 and E-2 visa applications for entrepreneurs and investors?

E-1 and E-2 visas require more than form filing. They demand business strategy, legal precision, and immigration expertise working together.

Deel Mobility supports entrepreneurs and investors by:

• Assessing eligibility before you invest or incorporate
• Structuring entities and ownership to meet visa requirements
• Preparing business plans and supporting documentation
• Managing consular filings and interviews
• Supporting dependents and renewals long-term

Unlike traditional law firms, Deel combines in-house immigration experts, technology, and ongoing compliance support, giving founders visibility and confidence throughout the process.

What happens after your entrepreneur visa is approved?

Approval is just the beginning. Founders must:

• Maintain visa compliance
• Track renewal timelines
• Adjust status as the business grows
• Sponsor employees or co-founders
• Plan long-term residency options, including green cards

Deel supports founders beyond approval — from extensions and family relocation to employee sponsorship and entity growth across borders.

Fast-track your US entrepreneur visa with Deel

Navigating US immigration doesn’t have to slow your business down.

With Deel Mobility, entrepreneurs get:

• Free visa eligibility assessments
• In-house immigration and legal experts
• Real-time application tracking
• Dedicated case managers
• Support for founders, investors, and dependents
• A single platform for immigration, HR, and compliance

With a 98% approval rate, Deel is the trusted immigration partner for founders building and scaling companies in the US.

Book a free consultation to explore the best entrepreneur visa path for your business.