United States
ChileCompare visas
L-1 vs E-2
Both serve someone who wants to operate a business in the United States, and on both your spouse can work. The L-1 needs a company present in both countries and at least a year working for it; the E-2 needs your own investment and citizenship of a treaty country such as Chile. The L-1 allows dual intent and opens the EB-1C; the E-2 does not lead to residence on its own.
These two categories differ on 8 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
L-1 Transfer within the same company
E-2 Direct your own US business
Needs a sponsor
L-1 Yes, your own company
E-2 No, the investment is yours
Prior USCIS petition
L-1 Yes, Form I-129
E-2 No, straight to the consulate
Duration
L-1 L-1A up to 7 years, L-1B up to 5
E-2 Renewable indefinitely
Dual intent
L-1 Yes
E-2 Not allowed
Spouse may work
L-1 Yes, on an L-2
E-2 Yes, authorised by the status
Path to residence
L-1 Yes, EB-1C for executives
E-2 Not on its own
Chile's position
L-1 No particular advantage
E-2 A treaty country since 2004
Full comparison
| Criterion | L-1 L-1 visa | E-2 E-2 visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Transfer within the same company | Direct your own US business |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, your own company | No, the investment is yours |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | No cap | No cap |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | None | None |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | Yes, Form I-129 | No, straight to the consulate |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | L-1A up to 7 years, L-1B up to 5 | Renewable indefinitely |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Yes | Not allowed |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | Yes, on an L-2 | Yes, authorised by the status |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | Yes, EB-1C for executives | Not on its own |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | No particular advantage | A treaty country since 2004 |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
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