Read the general pathway comparison overview
A Salisbury applicant could be offered temporary authority within an employer group or a management agreement accompanying a personal investment. The labels may sound similar while the underlying relationships differ.
Review the company-transfer basis
L-1 depends on the qualifying group relationship, foreign employment and actual managerial/executive or specialized-knowledge role. An acting title requires a substantive account of authority and duties, not automatic acceptance or rejection.
Review the investor basis
E-2 requires 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 management contract alone does not establish all these conditions.
Identify effective rights and changes
Read appointment, ownership and removal terms on their actual dates. Update the comparison if the authority changes. Permission for one enterprise or arrangement does not become unrestricted authorization to perform work elsewhere.
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.