Skip to content
Ask a question
All posts

What types of visas are available for individuals seeking to come to the United States for work or entrepreneurship purposes?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

There are several types of visas available for individuals seeking to come to the United States for work or entrepreneurship purposes. The specific type of visa required will depend on the individual's situation and the intended purpose of their visit. Below are some of the most common visas used for work and entrepreneurship purposes:

  1. H-1B Visa: This visa is commonly used by employers to bring foreign workers to the United States for specialized or skilled positions that cannot be filled by domestic workers. To qualify for this visa, the employer must demonstrate that the position requires the minimum of a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field.
  2. L-1 Visa: This visa is used by multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to the United States. To qualify for this visa, an employee must have worked for the qualifying organization for at least one year prior to their transfer.
  3. O-1 Visa: This visa is available for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field. This visa is commonly used for artists, athletes, and business leaders.
  4. E Visa: This visa is available for individuals who are investing in a U.S. business or starting a new business in the United States. There are two types of E visas, the E-1 visa for individuals engaged in substantial international trade and E-2 visa for individuals investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.
  5. EB-5 Visa: This is an investor visa that requires a minimum investment of $500,000 in a U.S. business. The investor must also create at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers.

It is important to note that each visa has specific requirements and limitations. For instance, the H-1B visa has an annual quota, which can make it more difficult to obtain. Additionally, some visas require the individual to maintain a specific type of employment or business activity to stay in the United States.

Individuals seeking to come to the United States for work or entrepreneurship purposes should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine the best visa options based on their individual circumstances.