O-1 vs EB-1A vs E-2: which fits a startup founder?

5 questions. Routes to the path most founders with your evidence pattern use.

1. Are you currently in the US or abroad?

In the US on another visa (F-1, H-1B, etc.) Abroad, planning to come

2. Your country of birth has E-2 treaty with US?

Yes (UK, Canada via separate path, Germany, most EU, Australia, Japan, etc.) No (India, China, Brazil, many others) Not sure

3. Strongest evidence you have right now:

Major press / awards / academic recognition Raised from brand-name VCs or accelerator (YC, a16z, etc.) Real revenue + paying customers Patents or published research None of these yet

4. Timeline pressure?

Need status in 2-4 months 6-12 months is fine Planning for green card in 1-2 years

5. Capital available to invest in US entity?

$100k+ $25-100k Less than $25k

Name (for the match): Email:

Book a qualified consult

Path comparison

Path	Best when	Typical timeline
O-1A	You have awards, major press, or brand-name VC backing	2-4 months (premium processing)
EB-1A	Stronger evidence than O-1; goal is green card directly	8-18 months
E-2	Treaty-country founder investing $50k+ into a US entity	2-3 months at consulate
International entrepreneur parole	Fallback for YC/a16z-funded founders without O-1 evidence	Variable; case-by-case

FAQ

Is O-1 a path to a green card?: Not directly. O-1 is nonimmigrant. Founders typically use it as a bridge to EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, or employer-sponsored EB-2/3.
Do I need a US co-founder to sponsor the O-1?: No. A wholly-owned US entity with an arm's-length employer relationship (board, corporate formalities) can sponsor you.
Is this tool legal advice?: No. It's a triage to help you ask the right questions when you retain counsel.

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