Skip to content
All posts

What are the visa requirements for international entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the United States?

The visa requirements for international entrepreneurs vary depending on the circumstances of the entrepreneur's business and their nationality. There are several visa options available to international entrepreneurs who wish to start a business in the United States.

One of the most popular options for entrepreneurs is the E-2 visa. This visa is available to individuals who are citizens of a treaty country and who want to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. To qualify for an E-2 visa, the entrepreneur must demonstrate that they will be actively involved in the management of the business and that the business will generate more than enough income to support the entrepreneur and their family.

Another option for entrepreneurs is the L-1A visa, which is available to individuals who have been employed by a foreign company for at least one year and who are coming to the United States to manage a U.S. branch of that company. To qualify for an L-1A visa, the entrepreneur must demonstrate that they have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company, such as an ownership stake or a senior management position.

In addition to these two options, there are several other visas available to entrepreneurs who meet specific criteria, such as the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in business, and the EB-5 visa for individuals who invest a certain amount of capital in a new or existing U.S. business.

It is important to note that visa requirements and processes can be complex, and each entrepreneur's situation is unique. It is highly recommended that international entrepreneurs seeking to start a business in the United States consult with a licensed immigration attorney to determine the most appropriate visa strategy for their circumstances.