Business Immigration to the USA

Introduction

Business immigration to the USA is the process of obtaining a visa that allows foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to conduct business in America. Depending on the type of business and level of investment, different visa categories are available. In this article, we’ll explore the main types of business visas, investment amounts, application steps, and processing times.

Main Types of Business Visas in the USA

1. EB-5 Visa (Immigrant Investor Visa)

The EB-5 visa is intended for investors willing to invest a significant amount in the U.S. economy.

• Requirements:

  • Minimum investment amount: $800,000 (in a targeted employment area) or $1,050,000 (in other areas).

  • Creation of at least 10 jobs for U.S. citizens.

  • Funds must be obtained legally and documented properly.

• Processing Time:

  • 2–3 years (depending on the workload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS).

2. E-2 Visa (Non-Immigrant Investor Visa)

This visa is intended for investors from countries that have trade agreements with the USA.

• Requirements:

  • Investment of a substantial amount (typically from $100,000 and above).

  • Active management of the business in the USA.

  • Proof of source of funds.

• Processing Time:

  • 2–6 months.

3. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)

Used for transferring executives and key employees from foreign branches to U.S. offices.

• Requirements:

  • The company must operate outside the USA.

  • The employee must have worked at the company for at least 1 year.

• Processing Time:

  • 3–6 months.

4. O-1 Visa (For Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)

Designed for business professionals with international recognition.

• Requirements:

  • Evidence of outstanding achievements (awards, publications, industry leadership).

  • Official invitation from a U.S. company.

• Processing Time:

  • 2–4 months.

Steps to Obtain a U.S. Business Visa

1. Select the appropriate visa type.

2. Prepare documentation (financial reports, business plan, proof of investment).

3. Submit petition to USCIS (or to a U.S. embassy/consulate for non-immigrant visas).

4. Attend the interview.

5. Wait for the decision and receive the visa.

Conclusion

Business immigration to the USA opens up vast opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. It is crucial to choose the right visa type, prepare all necessary documents, and meet the requirements. If you have questions or need professional assistance, contact our experts – we will support you at every step of the application process!