Investors
Immigration as business strategy
Aligning immigration planning with capital, timing, and long-term objectives in the U.S.
Investment-driven immigration requires careful alignment between capital, timing, and long-term goals.
We deliver immigration solutions that support business plans, manage risk, and account for changing personal and market dynamics. Our approach is deliberate, strategic, and tailored to support durable outcomes in the U.S.
Your Attorney
Michael Serotte
Founding Partner
Michael founded Serotte Law because he understood immigrant entrepreneurs and investors needed immigration counsel that understood business, not just visa categories. He’s spent his career working with founders, investors, and business owners who put real capital and real risk into building something in the U.S.
Today he advises investors across every stage — from first-time E-2 applicants opening a single location to EB-5 investors evaluating multimillion-dollar regional center projects. If you’re putting money into the U.S., Michael’s job is to make sure your immigration strategy is as sound as your business plan.
The E-2 path for hands-on owners
The E-2 treaty investor visa is for people who want to be hands-on. You invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business, you run it, and you live in the U.S. while you do.
EB-5: investment to green card
The EB-5 is the most direct investment-to-green-card pathway in U.S. immigration. The threshold is $800K in a Targeted Employment Area (or $1.05M outside one), with the investment required to create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.
When one visa isn't enough
E-2 and EB-5 aren't your only options, and sometimes the best strategy combines more than one category over time.
The E-2 path for hands-on owners
It’s renewable indefinitely, your spouse can get work authorization, and your children can attend school. For many investors, it’s the most practical way to establish a life in the U.S. without waiting years for a green card.
The phrase "substantial investment" has no fixed dollar amount, and that ambiguity is where cases can go wrong. Your investment has to be sized appropriately for the business type, with clearly sourced funds and a business plan that demonstrates a real operating enterprise (not a marginal one).
We've handled E-2 cases across industries from tech startups to franchise groups. The strong cases all share the same trait: careful preparation. A well-documented E-2 at $150K is often stronger than a sloppy one at $500K.
EB-5: investment to green card
The EB-5 is the most direct investment-to-green-card pathway in U.S. immigration. The threshold is $800K in a Targeted Employment Area (or $1.05M outside one), with the investment required to create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs. In exchange, you and your family receive conditional permanent residence, with a path to full green cards after two years.
That's the simple version. The reality involves layers of complexity most immigration attorneys aren't equipped to navigate alone.
The I-526E petition requires meticulous source-of-funds documentation: every dollar traced through bank records, tax returns, business proceeds, gifts, loans, or asset sales. Gaps in the money trail are the single most common reason cases stall. We help you evaluate the immigration strength of an investment alongside its underlying business fundamentals… because a green card isn't worth much if the investment collapses.
When one visa isn't enough
E-2 and EB-5 aren't your only options, and sometimes the best strategy combines more than one category over time.
The L-1A is one of the most overlooked pathways for foreign business owners. If you own or manage a company outside the U.S. and want to expand into the American market, the L-1A lets you enter as a multinational executive or manager. There's no lottery to clear and no investment minimum to meet, and the visa connects directly to the EB-1C green card category (which often moves faster than EB-5).
A founder might start with E-2 or O-1 and transition to EB-5 as the company grows. An investor buying into an existing franchise might use E-2 for immediate entry while pursuing EB-5 separately for long-term residence. We look at your full picture (nationality, capital, family situation, timeline) and build a strategy for where you want to be in five years, not just how to get through the door today.
In their own words
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the entire team at Serotte Law, and how seamless they made my process in obtaining my nonimmigrant E1 Treaty Trader visa. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Rita Georges as my lawyer and Brenna Scanlon as my paralegal, both of whom offered incredible guidance through every step of the process. They both went out of their way to provide support not only outside standard business hours, but even during the Thanksgiving weekend when an urgent matter arose in my case. Danielle Roberts also played an important role supporting me throughout my journey and her dedication and timeliness were invaluable. Although the process was backlogged due to delays related to the pandemic, the entire team was continually in touch with me providing updates and any time I had a question (and there were many) I received a response almost instantly. Truly "white-glove", five star service from start to finish. Of note, the firm is especially skilled in working with entrepreneurs such as myself and was extremely detailed and meticulous in assembling my application package, leaving no detail to chance. In the instance I needed a referral to a business plan expert, they were quick to provide a recommendation with whom I also had an outstanding experience. Even for some unexpected issues in my case (namely, administrative processing) the entire team was both knowledgeable and supportive about what needed to be done such that I was ultimately successfully issued my E1. Your search for a law firm ends here.
Adam Haroun
Google Review
Prompt, efficient and proactive professionals, while being communicative and transparent every step of the way!! But most importantly, kind, compassionate and responsible. That is how I would describe Serotte Law(yers), in the true sense of every word!! I switched over to Serotte law 5 years ago, and as we all know switching law firms is a more tedious process than starting afresh, but Brenna made it seamless for me. Brenna Scanlon, their Managing paralegal is a highly qualified immigration expert, extremely well versed in her field of knowledge, and all of this while being a kind and compassionate human being. I don’t know of any other law firm that will call you after hours but these guys will. They will treat your sense of urgency as their own and that’s what stands them apart from the plethora of immigration lawyers out there!! Rita George’s, a highly capable and forthcoming lawyer, a solution finder, will guide you smoothly through every situation, every step of the way!! Immigration applicants tend to face many interrelated issues as well, but Serotte law guides you to the best of their ability there too, and if it’s not their forte they will refer you to the best of the best in the business - kinda like a concierge service!!! Thank you once again to team Serotte, Rita George’s, Brenna Scanlon, Danielle Roberts, Asia Battle, Mike Farrell, and everybody else for your able guidance and services.
KHANNA, Sahil
Google Review
I have had the pleasure of working with Serotte Law for the past 10+ years, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. From the very beginning, they have provided exceptional support and guidance through every step of my US immigration journey. Initially, Serotte Law assisted me with obtaining and renewing my L-1A visas. Their deep understanding of immigration law and meticulous attention to detail ensured a smooth and successful application process. Over the years, they have consistently demonstrated their expertise and dedication, making what could have been a stressful experience remarkably manageable. Most recently, Serotte Law helped me achieve a significant milestone: obtaining my green card. Their unwavering commitment and personalized approach were instrumental in this success. The team at Serotte Law, specifically Rita Georges and Asia Battle, is not only highly knowledgeable but also incredibly responsive and compassionate, always taking the time to address my concerns and keep me informed. If you are seeking reliable and professional assistance for your US immigration needs, look no further than Serotte Law. Their proven track record, coupled with their client-focused approach, makes them the ideal choice. I am immensely grateful for their support and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone navigating the complexities of US immigration.
Bryan Shapcott
Google Review
I have worked with quite a few immigration attorneys in the last 7 years, and the team at Serotte Law is one of the best I have encountered. As an immigrant that requires work authorization to live in the US, immigration is always on my mind, and I am always stressing about it to some degree. This changed after my firm hired the team at Serotte Law. They handled my H1B transfer, PERM, I-140, and H1B Extension applications flawlessly. They guided me and my company through every step of the process and make sure we were on-track to meet the deadlines. My timeline to procure the I-140 was pretty tight. As such, Susan and team wasted no time in getting all the document in order, and staying on top of the case in the last 18 months. I received regular status updates, prompt email responses, and complete transparency in the process at every step of the way. I would 100% recommend hiring this team for all your work based immigration needs.
Dhaval Bajaria
Google Review
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Visa options for Investors.
Explore the visa types that may be applicable to your situation.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
For investors and entrepreneurs from treaty countries who are building and running a business in the U.S.
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
For nationals of treaty countries engaged in substantial, ongoing trade between the U.S. and their home country.
EB-5 Investor Visa
For entrepreneurs or investors making a substantial U.S. business investment that must create jobs for American workers.
L-1 Visa
For multinational companies transferring executives, managers, or specialized employees to a U.S. office.
National Interest Waiver (NIW)
A self-petitioned green card option for individuals whose work serves the national interest of the United States.
Adjustment of Status
Allows eligible individuals with an approved immigrant petition and a current priority date to apply for a green card without leaving the U.S.
Consular Processing
The process of obtaining a green card through a U.S. consulate abroad rather than adjusting status inside the U.S.