Find answers to the most common questions about our services, the visa process, and what to expect when working with Pathway to USA.
About Our Services
What exactly does Pathway to USA do?
Pathway to USA is a business consulting firm that helps international entrepreneurs and investors acquire or build a U.S. business, structure it for visa eligibility, and navigate the path to residency. We are not a law firm. All immigration legal work is performed by independently licensed attorneys in our vetted referral network. We manage the entire process — from business sourcing and acquisition through entity structuring, legal coordination, and operational launch — under one engagement.
Do you provide legal advice?
No. Pathway to USA is a business consulting firm, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created through our website or services. All immigration legal services are provided by independently licensed attorneys within our referral network. Your attorney-client relationship is established directly with your assigned legal counsel.
What visa pathways do you support?
We support several investor visa pathways, including the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW). We also provide advisory services for the Gold Card investor-based residency program currently under development by the U.S. government. During your initial strategy session, we will assess your goals, financial position, and background to determine which pathway best fits your situation.
What is the difference between the E-2 and EB-5 visas?
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a non-immigrant visa available to nationals of countries that have a treaty of commerce with the United States. It requires a substantial investment in a U.S. business that you actively manage. The E-2 does not directly lead to a green card but can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains active.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa is an immigrant visa that leads to a U.S. green card. It requires a minimum investment (currently $1,050,000 in standard areas or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) and the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The EB-5 path to permanent residency makes it a preferred option for those seeking long-term residency.
Can you help me find the right business to acquire?
Yes. Business sourcing and acquisition is a core part of our service. We identify, evaluate, and help you acquire a U.S.-based business that meets your investment goals and the operational requirements for your target visa. Our process includes business valuation, due diligence coordination, purchase agreement support, entity formation, and investment structuring.
Investment & Eligibility
How much do I need to invest to qualify for an E-2 visa?
The E-2 visa does not have a fixed minimum investment amount. However, the investment must be “substantial” relative to the total cost of the business and sufficient to ensure your commitment to the enterprise. In practice, most successful E-2 applications involve investments of $100,000 or more. The investment must also be at-risk capital — not a loan secured by the business assets.
What countries are eligible for the E-2 visa?
The E-2 visa is available to nationals of countries that have signed a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. There are currently over 80 treaty countries. Common eligible countries include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. If you are unsure whether your country qualifies, contact us for a complimentary eligibility assessment.
Is visa approval guaranteed?
No. Visa approval is never guaranteed. It is determined solely by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State. Pathway to USA and our affiliated attorneys cannot guarantee any specific outcome. However, our structured process, legal coordination, and thorough documentation preparation are designed to put your application in the strongest possible position.
Process & Timeline
What does the process look like from start to finish?
Our structured process follows five stages: (1) Initial Strategy Consultation — we assess your eligibility, goals, and visa pathway options; (2) Business Sourcing & Acquisition — we identify and help you acquire a qualifying U.S. business; (3) Entity Structuring & Legal Coordination — our legal network prepares your entity structure and immigration filings; (4) USCIS/Consulate Processing — your case is submitted and processed by immigration authorities; (5) Operational Launch & Onboarding — we assist with business setup, banking, leasing, and operational readiness.
How long does the process take?
Timelines vary depending on the visa type, your personal circumstances, and government processing times. E-2 visa processing through a U.S. consulate typically takes 2–6 months. EB-5 cases, due to the immigrant visa queue, can take significantly longer. We provide each client with a customized timeline during the initial strategy session. Processing times are determined by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State and are outside our control.
Will I have a dedicated point of contact throughout the process?
Yes. Every client is assigned a dedicated project manager who serves as their primary point of contact throughout the engagement. You will receive milestone tracking, regular progress updates, and direct access to your team. You will always know where you stand and what comes next.
Fees & Engagement
How do I get started?
The first step is to book a free strategy call with our team. During this session, we will assess your eligibility, discuss your goals, and outline the most appropriate visa and business pathway for your situation. There is no obligation to proceed after the initial consultation.
What happens after the strategy call?
If there is a fit, we will present you with a structured proposal outlining the engagement scope, fees, timeline, and deliverables. Upon acceptance, we begin the onboarding process, which includes a detailed intake review, assignment of your project manager, and initiation of the business sourcing and legal coordination phases.
Disclaimer: Pathway to USA is a business consulting firm. We do not provide legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created through this website or our services. All immigration legal services are provided by independently licensed attorneys within our referral network. Visa approval is determined solely by USCIS and is never guaranteed. Business acquisition and investment carry inherent risk, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Please review our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for complete details.
Still have questions? Contact our team or book a free strategy call today.