As a lawyer, I can provide legal advice on the available visas for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the United States. The type of visa an entrepreneur can obtain depends on their specific circumstances and the nature of their business.
The most commonly used visa option for entrepreneurs is the E-2 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign investors to live and work in the United States while actively managing and developing their investment. To qualify for an E-2 visa, the entrepreneur must be a citizen of a treaty country, meaning that their country has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Additionally, the entrepreneur must invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business or purchase an existing business and must have a controlling interest in that business.
Another visa option for entrepreneurs is the L-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign operations to their U.S. operations. The L-1 visa can be used by entrepreneurs who have an existing business abroad that they wish to expand into the United States. To qualify for an L-1 visa, the entrepreneur must have operated the foreign business for at least one year and must have a qualifying relationship with the U.S. business.
Entrepreneurs can also apply for an EB-5 visa, which is an immigrant visa that allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in the United States if they invest a minimum of $1 million in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Alternatively, if the investment is made in a targeted employment area, the minimum investment is $500,000.
It is important to note that the visa application process can be complex and requires careful documentation and preparation. Entrepreneurs who are considering applying for a visa should consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on their specific situation and to ensure that their application is properly submitted.
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