What are the immigration options available for entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in the United States?
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As an attorney, I can provide information on the various immigration options available for entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in the United States.
E-2 Visa
The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals from certain countries to enter the U.S. and invest in or start a business. The E-2 visa requires a substantial investment in a U.S. business, and the applicant must be from a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S.
L-1 Visa
The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign national executives or managers to transfer to a U.S. office of the same firm or a related company. The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one year and the company must have a qualifying relationship with the U.S. entity. The L-1 visa can be used for a startup or new U.S. office.
EB-5 Investor Visa
The EB-5 visa is an immigrant visa that requires a minimum investment of $1.8 million or $900,000 in a targeted employment area into a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. This visa can also be used for a regional center investment.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals in specialty occupations. It is not specifically tailored to entrepreneurs, but it can be used by entrepreneurs who are working in a specialty occupation within their own startup company.
O-1 Visa
The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals with extraordinary abilities in science, technology, business, or other fields to work in the U.S. This visa is not specifically tailored to entrepreneurs, but it can be used by entrepreneurs who have achieved significant success in their field.
Each of these options has different requirements, limitations, and exceptions, which should be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine which option is best for an individual entrepreneur. Additionally, the application process for each option can be complex, and it is recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process.
