PRACTICE OVERVIEW
Helping Entrepreneurs and Investors Build a Future in the United States
If you’re a foreign national looking to invest or start a business in the United States, the E-2 and EB-5 investor visa programs offer powerful opportunities to live, work, and build a future in America. At The Emory Law Firm, we help investors, business owners, and entrepreneurs successfully navigate the complex immigration process and pursue lawful U.S. residency through investment.
With offices in Charlotte and Kinston, our immigration attorneys provide strategic legal guidance to clients throughout North Carolina and across the globe.
What Are Investor Visas?
Investor visas are designed for individuals who contribute significant capital to the U.S. economy through business creation, ownership, or development. Two of the most common investor visa options are:
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
- Must be a national of a country with a qualifying treaty with the U.S.
- Must make a substantial investment in a U.S.-based business
- Must be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise
- The investment must be at risk and committed to the business
- The business must generate more than marginal income
Benefits:
- Fast processing times
- Renewable indefinitely as long as the business is operating
- Spouse may apply for a work permit (EAD)
- Children under 21 may attend school
Best For: Entrepreneurs, franchise owners, and small to mid-sized business investors
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
- Invest $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise, or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
- The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
- Investment must be at-risk and in a for-profit entity
Benefits:
- Leads to a green card and eventual U.S. citizenship
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 also receive green cards
- No requirement to manage the business day-to-day
Best For: High-net-worth individuals looking to immigrate permanently and support job creation in the U.S.
How The Emory Law Firm Helps Investor Visa Applicants
- Evaluation of eligibility and visa options
- Business plan development support for immigration purposes
- Detailed preparation of E-2 or EB-5 applications
- Consular processing or adjustment of status guidance
- Legal compliance with USCIS and Department of State requirements
- Ongoing support for visa renewals, extensions, and green card transitions
Investor Visa Challenges We Solve
- Visa denials due to incomplete documentation
- Questions about source of funds or investment legitimacy
- Business plan deficiencies or marginal enterprise issues
- Delays in processing due to consular backlogs
- Job creation tracking for EB-5 compliance
- Renewal strategies for long-term E-2 visa holders
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to invest for an E-2 visa?
There’s no set minimum, but your investment must be “substantial” in relation to the type of business—generally at least $100,000+ is expected.
Can I apply for an E-2 visa if I buy a franchise?
Yes. Franchises are a common and acceptable investment route for E-2 visa applicants.
Is the EB-5 visa a guaranteed green card?
No. The investment must meet strict job creation and documentation requirements. We help ensure compliance from start to finish.
Can my spouse and children come with me?
Yes. Both E-2 and EB-5 visas allow your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to accompany you—and your spouse can apply for work authorization.
Why Choose The Emory Law Firm?
- Proven experience in investor visa strategy and documentation
- Multilingual support for international clients and business owners
- Local knowledge of North Carolina business and immigration landscape
- Personalized, high-touch legal service from start to finish
- Attention to detail in USCIS-compliant business plans and filings
Serving Investors in Charlotte, Kinston & Across North Carolina
We proudly serve investor clients across Charlotte, Kinston, and surrounding areas in Mecklenburg, Lenoir, Wake, Durham, and beyond. No matter where you are in the world, we can assist with U.S. immigration and business investment planning.
Schedule Your Investor Visa Consultation Today
At The Emory Law Firm, we make the complex world of investor immigration manageable, strategic, and successful. Whether you’re pursuing an E-2 visa or seeking permanent residence through the EB-5 program, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Charlotte Office
11020 David Taylor Dr, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: (704) 371-4333
Kinston Office
2422 N Herritage Street
Kinston, NC 28501
Phone: (704) 324-8500
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a trusted investor visa attorney in North Carolina.