As a lawyer, I can advise that foreign investors looking to establish a business in the United States will need to obtain an appropriate visa to legally operate their business. There are several visa categories available, each of which has its own specific requirements.
The E-2 visa is a popular option for foreign investors seeking to establish a business in the United States. To qualify for an E-2 visa, the investor must be a national of a country with which the United States has a qualifying treaty. Additionally, the investor must have already made a substantial investment in the business, which should be operating or close to operating. There is no set minimum investment amount, but the investment must be of a size that is proportionate to the type of business being established. The investor must also show that they will be actively involved in the business's management or operations.
Another visa option for foreign investors is the EB-5 visa. This visa requires a minimum investment of $1.8 million, or $900,000 if the business is located in a designated targeted employment area. The investor must also show that their investment will create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the investor receiving the visa.
It is important to note that each visa category has its own set of requirements and limitations. Additionally, the visa application process can be complex and time-consuming. It is recommended that foreign investors seeking to establish a business in the United States consult with an experienced immigration attorney to review their options and develop a strategy for obtaining the appropriate visa.
In summary, foreign investors looking to establish a business in the United States will need to obtain an appropriate visa, such as the E-2 or EB-5 visa. The specific requirements for each visa category should be carefully reviewed, and it is recommended that investors work with an experienced immigration attorney to navigate the visa application process.
By