Read the general pathway comparison overview
A Maple Hills applicant could be asked to lead a US function within an existing group or direct an independently financed franchise location. Both involve future plans, but their present qualifying facts must be assessed separately.
Identify the transfer’s current basis
L-1 requires the qualifying corporate relationship, foreign service and managerial/executive or specialized-knowledge US role. Reporting to a foreign executive does not replace an account of the applicant’s actual authority and duties.
Identify the investor’s actual operation
E-2 requires treaty nationality, at least 50% relevant national ownership of the enterprise, development and direction, substantial at-risk capital with lawful source and path, and a real nonmarginal business. Rights to future franchise units do not establish that they are operating now.
Review the commitments that depend on an outcome
Keep employment and franchise obligations, funding and premises terms distinct. An immigration authorization under one arrangement is not blanket permission for the other. Reassess the plan when duties, control or invested funds materially change.
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.