Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a Visa After Registering a Company in the US

How to Apply for Visas After Registering a Company in the U.S. - A Comprehensive Guide

After registering a company in the U.S., many entrepreneurs may face an important question How to apply for appropriate visas for themselves or their team members to legally operate business in the U.S.? Whether as a founder, executive, or ordinary employee, choosing the right visa type is one of the key steps to successfully run a U.S. company. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you understand different types of visas and their application processes.

Firstly, for those entrepreneurs who plan to personally go to the U.S. to manage their newly established company, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a very ideal choice. This visa requires applicants to come from countries that have signed investment treaties with the U.S., and they need to prove that their investment amount is large enough to create job opportunities and promote economic growth. To obtain an E-2 visa, you need to prepare detailed business plans, financial statements, and related legal documents to demonstrate that your investment meets the standards. It should be noted that although there is no clear minimum investment limit for the E-2 visa, it is generally recommended that the investment amount should reach at least $100,000 to increase the chances of success.

In addition to the E-2 visa, the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Manager/Professional Visa is another common option. If you have worked in the overseas parent company for more than one year and have been sent to the U.S. branch to hold a senior management position or possess special professional knowledge, you can consider applying for an L-1 visa. This visa allows you to travel between the U.S. and your home country multiple times within three years and can be extended up to seven years if necessary. However, to get approval for the L-1 visa, your company must have at least two entities globally, one located in the U.S. and the other in another country.

For those who want to make short-term visits to the U.S. for business activities, the B-1 Business Visitor Visa may be the simplest and fastest way. Holders of the B-1 visa can enter the U.S. within 90 days to attend meetings, negotiate contracts, examine markets, and other non-immigrant commercial affairs. However, please note that the B-1 visa does not allow you to engage in any paid work in the U.S., so it is more suitable for situations where long-term residence is not required.

Additionally, if you wish to stay in the U.S. for a longer period and participate in entrepreneurial activities, the O-1A Extraordinary Ability Visa might be worth considering. This visa applies to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in fields such as science, education, art, and sports. When applying for the O-1A visa, you need to provide substantial evidence showing that you enjoy international reputation in a specific field and have received recognition and support from the industry.

Of course, before applying for any type of visa, it is very important to ensure that your U.S. company has completed all necessary registration procedures according to local laws and regulations. This includes but is not limited to obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number FEIN, leasing office space, opening bank accounts, etc. Only when your enterprise is in a stable operating state can you better demonstrate its authenticity and feasibility to the immigration authorities.

Finally, everyone is reminded that maintaining patience and attention to detail throughout the visa application process is crucial. Since each case has its uniqueness, it is best to consult professional immigration lawyers or consultants who can tailor the optimal solution based on your specific situation. At the same time, closely monitor the latest policy dynamics released by the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to timely adjust strategies in response to changes.

In conclusion, regardless of which type of visa you choose, adequate preparation and passing strict reviews are needed to finally gain approval. Hopefully, the above information can provide some reference value for friends who are considering starting a business in the U.S.!