Visas for Entrepreneurs Starting a Business in the US

As a lawyer, I can provide information on the various visas available for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the United States. The most common visas for entrepreneurs are:

E-2 Visa

This visa is available to entrepreneurs from countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US. It is a non-immigrant visa, which means it does not lead to permanent residency. To qualify, the entrepreneur must make a substantial investment in a US-based business and must be actively involved in the management of the business.

L-1 Visa

This visa is available to entrepreneurs who already have an established business in their home country and want to expand it to the US. It is a non-immigrant visa, which means it does not lead to permanent residency. To qualify, the entrepreneur must have worked for the same company for at least one year in the past three years and must be coming to the US to work in an executive or managerial role.

H-1B Visa

This visa is available to entrepreneurs who are highly skilled in a specific field and have a job offer from a US-based company. It is a non-immigrant visa, which means it does not lead to permanent residency. To qualify, the entrepreneur must have a bachelor's degree or higher in the relevant field and must be coming to the US to work in a specialty occupation.

EB-5 Visa

This visa is available to entrepreneurs who are willing to invest at least $900,000 in a US-based business that will create at least 10 jobs for US citizens. It is an immigrant visa, which means it leads to permanent residency. To qualify, the entrepreneur must be able to prove that the investment is from a legitimate source and must be actively involved in the management of the business.

It is important to note that there may be limitations and exceptions to these visas, and it is advisable to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine which visa is best suited for your particular situation. Additionally, obtaining a visa is a complex process that involves multiple steps, including filing petitions, providing documentation, and attending interviews. Entrepreneurs may also need to seek advice on employment law, tax law, and business law.