United States
ChileCompare visas
E-2 vs EB-4
The E-2 and the EB-4 green card serve very different profiles. The E-2 is for someone who invests in and directs their own US business, and Chile has been a treaty country since 2004. The EB-4 is residence for narrowly defined special categories, is filed on Form I-360 and is an uncommon profile among Chileans: if you do not fit one of its subcategories, it is not a real alternative.
These two categories differ on 9 of 10 criteria. The full table is below, but if you only have a minute, these are the differences that decide a case.
Where they part ways
What it is for
E-2 Direct your own US business
EB-4 Residence for narrowly defined special categories
Needs a sponsor
E-2 No, the investment is yours
EB-4 Depends on the subcategory
Annual cap
E-2 No cap
EB-4 7.1% of the annual employment-based total
Prior USCIS petition
E-2 No, straight to the consulate
EB-4 Yes, Form I-360
Duration
E-2 Renewable indefinitely
EB-4 Permanent
Dual intent
E-2 Not allowed
EB-4 It is residence itself
Spouse may work
E-2 Yes, authorised by the status
EB-4 Yes, derivative residence
Path to residence
E-2 Not on its own
EB-4 It is the residence
Chile's position
E-2 A treaty country since 2004
EB-4 An uncommon profile among Chileans
Full comparison
| Criterion | E-2 E-2 visa | EB-4 EB-4 green card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Direct your own US business | Residence for narrowly defined special categories |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | No, the investment is yours | Depends on the subcategory |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | No cap | 7.1% of the annual employment-based total |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | None | None |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | No, straight to the consulate | Yes, Form I-360 |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | Renewable indefinitely | Permanent |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Not allowed | It is residence itself |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | Yes, authorised by the status | Yes, derivative residence |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | Not on its own | It is the residence |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | A treaty country since 2004 | An uncommon profile among Chileans |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
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