Can Registering a US Company Get You a Visa? In-Depth Analysis

Can Registering a U.S. Company Lead to a Visa? A Deep Dive Analysis

In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization, an increasing number of people have chosen to register companies in the United States, hoping to gain access to the American market through this route. This trend reflects both the economic incentives and the complex psychology surrounding U.S. visa policies. However, does registering a company in the U.S. truly provide a pathway to obtaining a visa? This question involves multiple dimensions, including law, business, and immigration policy.

First, it is important to clarify that the U.S. visa system is a highly complex network, with different visa types having their own strict application criteria and approval processes. For those looking to obtain a visa through registering a company, the most common routes are through L-1 or E-2 visas. The L-1 visa applies to senior executives or specialized professionals being transferred within a multinational corporation, while the E-2 visa targets citizens from countries with bilateral investment treaties with the U.S., allowing them to invest and operate businesses in America.

In practice, many individuals attempting to register companies often overlook these visa prerequisites. For instance, the L-1 visa requires applicants to have worked for at least one year in the parent company over the past three years, and the parent company must have established branches in the U.S. This means simply registering a new company is insufficient to meet the requirements for an L-1 visa. Similarly, while the E-2 visa does not specify a minimum investment amount, it requires investors to have actual control over the enterprise and that the business creates job opportunities. Simply setting up a shell company cannot help applicants obtain a visa.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS reviews such applications very strictly. In recent years, due to some applicants attempting to bypass visa restrictions using false materials, the USCIS has strengthened its scrutiny of corporate backgrounds. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, in early 2025, the U.S. announced stricter review mechanisms for all foreign investor-related enterprises, particularly those claiming to quickly offer green cards or permanent residency to investors. This indicates that even seemingly legitimate companies may face skepticism and potential rejection.

So, why do so many people still choose this path? On one hand, compared to other methods like the EB-5 immigrant investor program, registering a company has lower thresholds and fewer costs. On the other hand, many lack a thorough understanding of U.S. visa policies and mistakenly believe that owning a company automatically grants a visa. In reality, even if the company is successfully established, there will still be a long waiting period and complex review procedures.

It is worth noting that despite this, there are still successful cases worth referencing. For example, The New York Times once reported on a Chinese entrepreneur who obtained an E-2 visa by opening a technical consulting company in the U.S. This entrepreneur not only created multiple job positions in the U.S. but also actively participated in community activities, demonstrating good business ethics and social responsibility. His success shows that, under the premise of following rules, combining personal professional skills and resources can indeed make it possible to achieve goals of developing in the U.S. through company registration.

In conclusion, registering a U.S. company is not a magic key that guarantees visa approval. To truly benefit from this path, applicants must have solid business foundations, clear strategic planning, and a deep understanding of U.S. visa policies. At the same time, facing increasingly stringent regulatory environments, maintaining an attitude of honest business operations is crucial. After all, long-term development for both businesses and individuals depends on trust. For those hoping to obtain a visa by registering a U.S. company, rational self-assessment and cautious actions are wise choices.