Read the general pathway comparison overview
For Sainte-Rose-du-Nord applicants, a team chart and a customer contract support different questions and should not be treated as interchangeable immigration evidence. A first review should run two separate files rather than force one set of facts into both routes. One file maps the entities, foreign employment, and proposed role; the other traces nationality, ownership, funding, and the operating model. Hypothetical example: A surgical-instrument sterilization business may acquire a U.S. facility while its foreign operations manager could transfer from an affiliate. The applicant must decide whether the existing company record supports L classification or the purchase and funding facts first support E-2.
Use the qualifying transfer structure and role
L requires qualifying organizations, continuous qualifying foreign employment and the proposed US capacity. L-1A examines primarily managerial or executive work and actual support; L-1B examines relevant special or advanced company knowledge. Geographic spread and a new title alone do not establish the applicant’s duties or expertise. For L, confirm the qualifying relationship and one continuous qualifying year abroad during the preceding three years before planning the U.S. start. Then test the real proposed capacity against the evidence of support or company knowledge. The maximum stay is seven years for L-1A and five years for L-1B. A new title, a contract, or a future acquisition does not by itself settle which route’s factual record is stronger.
Use the actual treaty-enterprise and capital evidence
E-2 needs treaty nationality, at least 50% relevant national enterprise ownership, development and direction, substantial lawful at-risk capital and a real nonmarginal business. A major customer contract should be read with its conditions and supported costs. Forecast revenue does not automatically establish capital already committed or eliminate the separate investor requirements. For E-2, the investment must be substantial in relation to the enterprise, lawfully sourced, irrevocably committed, and exposed to commercial loss. The applicant needs treaty nationality, qualifying control, and a genuine role in developing and directing a business that is not marginal. Compare the acquisition documents, bank trail, budget, and customer evidence before choosing that route. Revenue forecasts cannot replace capital actually committed.
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.