Are you an entrepreneur who wants to run a business in the United States? In order to make this vision a reality, first you must obtain authorization from USCIS through the immigrant or nonimmigrant visa process, which allows you to live or work in the U.S.

First, you'll want to speak with an immigration attorney who can help you decide which visa classification is best suited for you. Keep in mind that not all classifications allow someone to work in the United States. That said, the majority of employment-based visas petitions are issued for a specific type of work for a specific employer.

Planning Ahead & Considering Your Options

A lawyer can help you consider which option are best for your situation and your desired activities in America. Since there may be several options, it's important to weigh them carefully, especially since immigrant and nonimmigrant visas are subject to annual numerical limitations.

Such limitations can restrict how long it takes to obtain authorization to live and work in the U.S., so it's important to select the right classification when considering the numerical limitations, and to plan accordingly.

Choosing a Visa Category

There are different pathways for foreign entrepreneurs: nonimmigrant visa pathways and immigrant visa pathways. For example, nonimmigrant visa pathways allow entrepreneurs to explore or start a business on U.S. soil, while immigrant visa pathways allow them to immigrate permanently to the United States.

We recommend that you consider B-1 visas, H-1Bs, O-1As, E-2s, L-1s, EB-1s, and EB-2s among several others. Since there are so many choices, it's best to consider your options early, especially when creating your business plan and setting business' goals.

To identify the visa pathways that are the most advantageous for your circumstances, it would be helpful to consult with an immigration attorney in this directory!