Chicago Investors and Entrepreneurs Immigration Attorney

If you are a foreign national and you want to start operating your business in the United States, you will likely face many complicated legal requirements and regulations relating to immigration. One of the most important decisions you face is which type of visa is right for you to pursue so that you are lawfully present and authorized to work in the U.S. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, we regularly assist business owners and investors in obtaining the most appropriate visa for their circumstances in the most efficient way possible. The following are some of the situations and options that we help our investor and entrepreneur clients with.

Who We Serve

Our firm has substantial experience working with business owners and investors. We can assist when:

• You are a foreign entrepreneur ready to launch, buy, or franchise a U.S. business, and you need to understand your immigration options before you begin.
• You lead an established overseas company preparing to open a U.S. office, and you need to bring an owner, executive, or manager to the United States to guide the expansion.
• You are an investor building a long-term future in the United States for yourself and your family, and you want to confirm that your plans support permanent residence.
• You own a company that regularly trades goods, services, or technology between the U.S. and another country, and you or a key employee need authorization to manage and grow that trade.
• You are an entrepreneur whose nationality, investment size, or company history may not match a traditional investor visa, and you need help finding another pathway that fits your role and background.

We can help you understand the possible visas available to you and determine which is best for your situation.

Potential Visa Pathways

The immigration process for investors and entrepreneurs begins with one essential step: understanding which visa fits your goals. During your consultation, our attorneys review your business plans, investment details, and long-term intentions, then map out the options best suited to your situation. From there, we help you prepare, file, and follow through on your application. Below are some of the paths we regularly pursue for our clients.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 visa is a popular choice for foreign business owners who want to operate a business in the U.S. General requirements include:

• Coming from a country that holds a qualifying treaty with the United States.
• Investing a substantial amount of capital in an actual U.S. business enterprise, with the required amount depending on the type and total cost of the enterprise.
• Having a motivation to come to the U.S. tied directly to the business, shown by owning at least half of the company or serving in a managerial or directing role.

A key benefit is that your spouse and children under 21 may also receive visas based on your status. The E-2 is renewable indefinitely as long as you continue to qualify, though it does not lead to a green card.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Often called the “million-dollar visa,” the EB-5 requires a significant investment: at least $500,000 in a rural area or $1,000,000 in an urban area. The investment must be active and placed in a new or existing legitimate enterprise. You must also show that the investment will create or contribute toward at least ten jobs within a set period of time. Unlike the E-2, this path can lead to green cards for you and your family.

Other Options for Investors and Entrepreneurs

If neither the E-2 nor the EB-5 is the right fit, our attorneys can explore additional pathways, such as the H-1B visa and the L-1 visa, among others. We design tailored immigration solutions built around your role, background, and business relationships to help you succeed in your endeavors in the U.S.

Why Choose Us for Your Business or Investment Journey?

• Immigration-Focused Practice: We have concentrated on immigration and nationality law since 1974, giving our clients dedicated, knowledgeable representation that understands how the immigration process works.
• A Record You Can Trust: We have represented thousands of foreign nationals across the country in securing lawful status.
• Comprehensive Support Under One Roof: From investor and employment visas to family-based and humanitarian matters, we handle the full range of immigration needs.
• Process-Driven Guidance: We walk you through each step in a clear, structured way that makes complex matters easier to manage.
• Compassionate, Responsive Service: Clients consistently describe our team as professional, attentive, and genuinely supportive.

Ready To Discuss Your Options?

If you are a foreign investor or entrepreneur planning to do business in the United States, your first step should be a conversation with an experienced immigration attorney. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, our team has helped many investors and business owners move their ventures to the U.S. or invest in existing enterprises here. We are ready to review your goals and explain the paths available to you.

Call our office today at 312-332-2550 to schedule your consultation and learn how our legal team can help you build your future in the United States.

FAQs About Immigration for Investors and Entrepreneurs