Read the general pathway comparison overview
A Memramcook applicant may be considering a group transfer or personal acquisition of another enterprise. The business’s premises issue is relevant to either proposal but does not make the legal routes interchangeable.
Identify the employer relationship in the transfer
L-1 requires a qualifying relationship between the actual organizations and the required foreign employment, plus a qualifying managerial/executive or specialized-knowledge US role. A common brand or commercial relationship does not establish every condition.
Identify the investor’s rights in the purchase
E-2 concerns relevant treaty nationality, at least 50% relevant national enterprise ownership, development and direction, substantial at-risk capital with lawful source and path, and a real nonmarginal business. A future lease discussion cannot be treated as a completed operating arrangement.
Compare the agreements that will actually take effect
Keep employment, ownership, premises and financial obligations distinct. Reassess the proposed route when one changes. Authorization under one arrangement does not give unrestricted permission to work in the other business.
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.