Read the general pathway comparison overview
A Killarney applicant may have authority as an employee in one organization and propose buying ownership in another. Determine which arrangement would support the actual U.S. work before comparing L-1 with E-2.
Identify the source of the employment authority
For L-1, establish qualifying foreign employment and a parent, subsidiary, affiliate or branch relationship, together with the actual managerial, executive or specialized-knowledge role. The group must continue the relevant U.S. and foreign business. A client relationship or permission to spend an unrelated company’s budget does not itself establish the corporate connection.
Identify the rights and capital behind the investment
For E-2, show relevant treaty nationality and qualifying national enterprise ownership, development and direction, lawful substantial capital committed at risk and a real nonmarginal business. There is no universal investment minimum. Read the post-buyout voting and management terms rather than assuming a departing partner’s rights automatically pass in the form needed. Intent to depart when E status ends also remains necessary.
Describe the work under each actual proposal
Write down the employer or enterprise, duties and effective authority for each option. Resolve any inconsistent account of who controls or funds the operation. An authorization connected to one arrangement does not grant unrestricted permission to manage another business, and paying a purchase price does not itself authorize work.
What else is on your mind?
Does being a business owner or director qualify me for L-1A?What employment history should an L-1 transfer review cover?What makes a new-office L-1A case different?How should an owner compare L-1 and E-2?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.