Read the general pathway comparison overview
A transfer contract and a purchase agreement can offer different ways to participate in a business. Compare what each arrangement actually establishes and which immigration conditions remain unsupported.
Begin with the foreign employment already completed
Hypothetical example: an employee is offered a related-company transfer while also considering an independent acquisition. L-1 needs qualifying organizations, the required foreign employment and the qualifying U.S. role. Signing the acquisition does not create a past qualifying year or a related-company employment record.
Identify what control and capital the purchase provides
E-2 requires qualifying treaty nationality, generally at least 50% enterprise ownership by nationals of the relevant treaty country, substantial lawful capital committed at risk and a real nonmarginal business the investor will develop and direct. A seller’s future promises should be distinguished from rights and resources actually established.
Compare unresolved conditions rather than appealing labels
For L-1, investigate managerial, executive or specialized-knowledge duties and operational support. For E-2, investigate actual financing, commitment and enterprise capacity. Neither a transfer title nor a signed purchase automatically grants work permission, and family activities need their own status assessment.
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.