What kind of visas are available for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the United States?
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As an AI language model, I cannot provide official legal advice, but I can give you general information.
Types of Visas Available for Entrepreneurs in the United States
Entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the United States can apply for several visas, including:
- The E-2 treaty investor visa
- The L-1 intracompany transferee visa
- The H-1B specialty occupation visa
- The O-1 extraordinary ability visa
- The EB-5 immigrant investor visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 treaty investor visa is available to entrepreneurs from certain countries with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation. It allows individuals to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business and manage that business. The initial visa is typically granted for two years and can be extended indefinitely. Spouses and children can also apply for visas to accompany the investor.
L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa
The L-1 intracompany transferee visa is available to entrepreneurs who have a company in their home country and want to transfer to a U.S. office or start a new U.S. office. The visa requires that the individual has worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year in the three years preceding the application and will be working in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity in the United States. The initial visa is typically granted for three years and can be extended up to seven years for executives or managers and up to five years for specialized knowledge employees.
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
The H-1B specialty occupation visa is available to entrepreneurs who have a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialized field and are seeking employment in the United States in that field. The visa requires that the U.S. employer show that the position requires a specialized degree and that the individual meets the education and experience requirements for the position. The initial visa is typically granted for three years and can be extended up to six years.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
The O-1 extraordinary ability visa is available to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in their field. The visa requires that the individual has received national or international recognition for their achievements and that they will continue to work in their field in the United States. The initial visa is typically granted for three years and can be extended indefinitely.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Finally, the EB-5 immigrant investor visa is available to entrepreneurs who invest at least $1 million in a new or existing U.S. business that creates at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Alternatively, if the investment is in a targeted employment area, such as a rural area or high unemployment area, the investment amount can be lowered to $500,000. The initial visa is typically granted for two years and can be extended for up to ten years. The EB-5 visa also provides a path to permanent residency and ultimately citizenship for the investor and their immediate family members.
It’s recommended that entrepreneurs seek the advice of an immigration attorney before applying for any of these visas to determine the best course of action for their specific situation.
