VISAS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS, ENTREPRENEURS, AND INVESTORS

Many business owners still view the United States as a golden opportunity for their business.

Despite some political turmoil, the US remains one of the best economies and places for free business enterprise in the world.

The United States permits non-US citizens to own businesses in the US.  However, the problem arises with how a non-US citizens would be able to come to the United States and spend time here in order to run or supervise a business effectively.

There are several options for entrepreneurs, investors or business owners who wish to obtain a non-immigrant business visa to the United States.

NON-IMMIGRANT VISA OPTIONS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AND INVESTORS:

E-1:  Treaty Traders.  The E-1 visa is for citizens of a treaty country to be admitted to the US for the purpose of trade.  A person on an E-1 visa must be engaged in substantial trade while in the US and is granted an initial 2-year period to stay in the US. However, the person must maintain an intention to depart the US when the visa or any extensions, are up.  For more information, see the US Citizen and Immigration Services.

E-2: Treaty Investors. The E-2 visa is for citizens of a treaty country to be admitted to the US when investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business.  The person must be coming to the US to help develop and direct the enterprise, and must have 50% ownership or operational control.  What constitutes a "substantial amount of capital" is an issue you may wish to have a business immigration lawyer research and advise on. 

L1-A: Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager.  This visa is for foreign companies that wish to open a new office or location in the United States and may be used during the initial office set up or scouting period as well as to work after the company is set up. The work must be in an executive or managerial capacity. A stay could be one year if setting up the office, or three years if established.

TEMPORARY BUSINESS VISAS

B-1: Temporary Business Visa.  A foreign national coming to the US temporarily to conduct business, attend a conference, etc.  Valid for the time necessary to complete the business, up to one year.

If you need help obtaining business visa to visit the US temporarily to conduct business, or if you wish to set up an enterprise in the United States, invest in a US business, or explore opportunities to start a business in the United States, contact our office for help.