Founder Pathways
A portfolio of visas - O-1A, International Entrepreneur Parole, E-2, and L-1A - that support founders at every stage, from pre-seed to Series B.
A portfolio of visas - O-1A, International Entrepreneur Parole, E-2, and L-1A - that support founders at every stage, from pre-seed to Series B.
At a glance
Your own company
No
Yes (O-1A → EB-1A / EB-2 NIW; L-1A → EB-1C)
Moderate–High
1–6 months
4+ roles
Ideal candidates
Overview
Understanding this pathway
There isn't one "founder visa" - there are four practical routes, each fitting a different profile. O-1A works well pre-revenue if you have press, judging roles, accelerator acceptance, and a critical role at a funded company. E-2 requires treaty-country citizenship and a substantial, active investment. L-1A requires an existing foreign entity where you worked as a manager or executive for at least one year. The International Entrepreneur Rule (IEP) is a DHS parole (not a visa) for founders who meet specific funding thresholds and don't yet clear the O-1 / E-2 / L-1 bars - up to 5 years total, but no dual intent and no direct green card path.
Who it's for
Founders and executives with traction, funding, unique expertise, or treaty-country citizenship - anyone building a company they want to scale in the U.S.
Why it exists
The U.S. immigration system doesn't have a single startup visa, so Congress and DHS have built multiple discretionary and treaty-based pathways to attract job-creating entrepreneurs.
In practice
A merit-based route built for real careers, not lotteries.
Key benefits
Why founders and specialists choose it
Multiple entry points
Match the visa to your stage and profile, not the other way around.
Retain ownership
All four routes let you build and run your own company.
Family included
Spouse and children accompany you; L-2 and E-2 spouses get work authorization.
Green card ladders
O-1A → EB-1A / EB-2 NIW; L-1A → EB-1C.
No lottery
None of these pathways runs through the H-1B lottery.
IEP fallback
Up to 5 years of parole for founders meeting funding thresholds.
Fit check
Is this the right path for you?
This pathway is designed with specific profiles in mind. If any of these describe you, it's worth a deeper look.
Self-assessment
Eligibility requirements
Tick what applies to you
0%
Paper trail
Documents you'll gather
Tick what you've gathered
0%
Timeline
Your journey, mapped
Step 1 of 6
Route Selection
1–2 weeks to pick the pathway that fits your stage and profile.
Step 2 of 6
Evidence Building
3–8 weeks assembling founder + company evidence.
Step 3 of 6
Petition Drafting
2–6 weeks depending on route.
Step 4 of 6
USCIS Filing
I-129 (O-1A / L-1A / E-2) or I-941 (IEP).
Step 5 of 6
Decision
15 business days premium for I-129 routes; several months for IEP (no premium).
Step 6 of 6
Consular / CBP
Visa stamping abroad, change of status, or parole determination at port of entry.
Investment
What it costs
Transparent pricing
No surprises, just clarity on what you're investing in.
O-1A Total
$8,000 – $15,000
Filing + premium + attorney.
E-2 Total
$8,000 – $14,000
Filing + premium + attorney; excludes the investment itself.
L-1A Total
$9,000 – $12,000
Includes $500 fraud fee + optional premium.
IEP (I-941)
$2,220
$1,200 filing + $1,020 parole fee (non-waivable).
Green Card Next Steps
$8,000 – $16,000
EB-1A / EB-1C / EB-2 NIW when you're ready.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Related pathways
If this isn't the right fit, explore…
O-1 Visa
A merit-based nonimmigrant visa recognizing sustained achievement across sciences, business, education, athletics, arts, film, or television - no annual cap, no lottery.
ExploreEB-2 National Interest Waiver
A green card category that lets qualified professionals self-petition - no employer, no job offer, no PERM labor certification - when their work benefits the United States.
ExploreL-1 Visa
For executives, managers, and specialized-knowledge employees transferring from a foreign office to a related U.S. office - or opening a brand-new U.S. office.
ExploreNext step
Ready to explore Founder Pathways?
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