Can I pursue EB-1C and E-2 (investor) at the same time?

Pursuing EB-1C and E-2 at the same time is not a common strategy in practice, because the two visas were designed for opposite purposes. The EB-1C is an immigrant category, aimed at executives and managers transferred within a multinational group, and it leads to a green card. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant investor visa, for those who want to enter and manage a business in the U.S. on a temporary basis.

The central tension lies in intent. The E-2 assumes the holder intends to return to their home country at the end of the authorized period, while the EB-1C accommodates what is known as dual intent (living in the country while pursuing permanent residence). Maintaining two statuses that point to different intents at the same time is complicated and can raise questions from the authorities.

• EB-1C: immigrant, accepts dual intent, targets the green card.
• E-2: nonimmigrant, investment-based, presupposes return.
• Each process has its own requirements and is typically handled separately.

In very specific situations, a person may transition between categories or petition at different points in time, but this requires careful planning. Since every case is unique, it is worth confirming the current requirements with the official source (USCIS) and mapping out the strategy with a specialist before taking action.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.