Yes, it is possible to obtain a US visa if you start a business. The most common visa for entrepreneurs is the E-2 visa, which requires an investment in a US-based business and significant control over its operations.
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Yes, it is possible to obtain a US visa if you start a business. One of the most common visas available for entrepreneurs is the E-2 visa. The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals from certain countries to enter and work in the United States through the operation of a qualifying business.
To be eligible for the E-2 visa, there are specific requirements that must be met. Firstly, the individual must be a citizen of a country that has a qualifying treaty with the United States. Additionally, the individual must have invested a substantial amount of capital in a US-based business. The exact amount of investment required may vary depending on the nature of the business, but it should be a significant enough investment to demonstrate the commitment to the business.
Moreover, the applicant must show that they have significant control and direction over the US business. This can be demonstrated by owning at least 50% of the enterprise or by possessing operational control through a key management role.
It’s important to note that the E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning it does not directly lead to permanent residency or citizenship. However, E-2 visa holders can renew their visa indefinitely as long as their business remains active and meets the visa requirements.
In relation to this topic, entrepreneur Richard Branson once said, “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This quote emphasizes the potential for new opportunities and the pursuit of entrepreneurial ventures, even in foreign countries.
Here are some interesting facts about starting a business and obtaining a US visa:
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The E-2 visa is not the only option for entrepreneurs. Other visa categories, such as the L-1 visa and the EB-5 visa, also provide opportunities for business owners to establish operations in the United States.
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The E-2 visa is only available to citizens of countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Currently, there are over 80 countries that have such treaties, including countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and South Korea.
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The investment required for the E-2 visa can vary greatly depending on the type of business. While there is no set minimum amount, the investment should be substantial and sufficient to support the operations of the business.
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The E-2 visa allows for flexibility in terms of the type of business that can be established. It can range from small startups to large-scale enterprises, as long as it meets the visa requirements.
In summary, starting a business can open the door to obtaining a US visa, particularly through the E-2 visa option. By investing in a US-based business and assuming significant control over its operations, entrepreneurs from qualifying treaty countries can pursue their ventures in the United States. The E-2 visa provides a pathway for entrepreneurial opportunities and the potential for long-term business success in the US.
See the answer to your question in this video
In this video, Sameer, an immigration lawyer, provides insights on starting a company on F1 and H1B visas. He explains that while preliminary stages of a startup may not have strict restrictions, once funding is received and the business takes off, it becomes crucial to have appropriate immigration solutions in place. Sameer recommends having a solid plan before receiving funding to ensure compliance with regulations. He also discusses the importance of understanding visa restrictions, seeking appropriate permissions, and considering options like co-founders and different visa categories such as L1 and O1. Additionally, Sameer addresses issues related to content creation, real estate investment, stock trading, and cryptocurrency, providing guidance on navigating these activities legally.
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The E-1 and E-2 Treaty Visa If you are looking to start a business in the US as an investor, the E-2 treaty investor visa may be a good fit. Like the E-1 visa, you must be a citizen of a treaty country to be eligible. This visa is also temporary and can be renewed as long as the business is still in operation.
There are several options for starting a business in the U.S. and obtaining a business visa or investor visa for this purpose.
Two main types of visas allow immigrant entrepreneurs entry into the U.S. to start or run a business. These are the extraordinary ability visas—the EB-1 or O-1—and the immigrant investor visas—the EB-5 or E-2.
Although a person could live indefinitely in the U.S. with an E-2 Visa, it is a non-immigrant Visa which means that it does not lead to a green card. In order to qualify for this Visa, you must either start a business or buy a business that you plan to run and the investment amount really depends on the type of business you start.
The bottom line is yes, as long as you are in a situation where, even though you are working for your own company, somebody in the company can file. It must be a true employer/employee relationship.
Whether you are looking to start a business, buy an existing business, invest or expand your business in the US, there is an option for you! There are 4 pathways that allow qualifying business foreigners to come to the United States on a temporary or permanent status. 1. Temporary Investor Visa: E1 & E2 Visa
The current immigration laws allow foreign entrepreneurs to self sponsor their H-1B visa even if they have a 100% stake in the company or are the sole owner of the business. As long as they meet the following requirements, USCIS will not reject your application based on non-eligibility:
The short answer is yes, if the entrepreneur meets the visa requirements that allows a person to own a business and apply for the right visa, such as E-2, L1-A.
The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows investors and entrepreneur to live in the US and operate a US business. Benefits of the E2 visa: Allows you, your spouse, and your unmarried children under 21 years old to live in the US. With an E2 visa, you have work authorization to work for your business.
The short answer is: Yes, you can start a business in the USA. But, if you want to work for that business, you will need to have work authorization. … The second two ways involve using visa categories that allow you to run a business in the US.
Living and working in the United States legally requires foreign nationals to obtain a proper visa. Starting a business is part of the requirements of different visa categories, which gives non-US entrepreneurs a chance to own a US business and qualify for a visa at the same time.