A Comprehensive Guide for Chinese People on Registering a Company in the US and Applying for a Visa

A Comprehensive Guide for Chinese Citizens to Register Companies and Apply for Visas in the U.S.

In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization and increasing economic exchanges between China and the U.S., more and more Chinese entrepreneurs and businesspeople have chosen to establish companies in the United States. Whether it is to expand international markets, acquire advanced technology, or seek a more relaxed business environment, the U.S. has become an ideal destination for many people. However, from registering a company to applying for a visa, this process is not achieved overnight. It requires a thorough understanding of relevant laws and regulations and detailed planning. This article will provide a comprehensive guide for Chinese citizens who intend to start businesses in the U.S., covering key steps and precautions for both company registration and visa application.

The Basic Process of Company Registration

Firstly, to carry out business activities in the U.S., you must complete the company registration procedures. The U.S. company registration system is relatively flexible, and each state has different legal requirements for enterprises. However, generally speaking, there are several common types such as LLC Limited Liability Company and Inc. Corporation. Among them, LLC is widely popular due to its simplicity and convenience. Here are some main steps

1. Choose an appropriate state Each state in the U.S. has its own corporate law, so businesses need to pick a suitable registration location based on their needs. For example, Delaware is highly favored due to its well-established corporate legal system; while California is more suitable for tech startups. Before making a decision, it is advisable to consult professional lawyers or accountants to find the location that best meets business objectives.

2. Determine the company name Ensure that the selected name is not used by another company and complies with the state's regulations. Typically, you can check on the state’s website if there are any conflicts.

3. Submit documents After preparing all necessary materials, submit the registration application through the official website or other authorized channels. These documents may include articles of incorporation, shareholder agreements, and registration fees.

4. Obtain certificates Once the review is approved, applicants will receive an official business license, marking the legal establishment of the company.

It is important to note that hiring a professional familiar with U.S. law throughout the process is crucial. According to The New York Times, in recent years, due to language barriers and technical hurdles, many Chinese entrepreneurs have encountered difficulties at the initial stage, even facing unnecessary financial losses. Doing your homework in advance is very important.

Main Categories of Visa Applications

After successfully registering the company, the next step is to apply for work visas for yourself and team members. For most Chinese entrepreneurs, the most common choices are H-1B visas or L-1 visas. Below are basic introductions to these two types of visas

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is primarily used to hire foreign professionals for specialized jobs, such as engineers, scientists, or professors. Applicants must meet the following conditions

Possess a bachelor's degree or higher education;

The job position falls within the professional field;

Salary levels meet industry standards.

The H-1B visa has an annual quota limit, usually with intense competition. According to statistics from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, over 480,000 applications were submitted for the 2025 fiscal year, far exceeding the annual cap. Early preparation and submission of materials are key.

L-1 Visa

If the applicant has worked for the parent company for more than one year and plans to be transferred to its branch in the U.S., they can consider applying for an L-1 visa. This visa has no numerical limit, but certain requirements regarding the relationship between the parent and subsidiary companies must be met. For example, the parent company must hold at least 50% or more of the equity.

There is also the EB-5 investor immigration visa available. Although this method has a high threshold, once approved, permanent residency can be obtained. However, it should be noted that in recent years, due to policy adjustments, the approval cycle for EB-5 projects has been extended.

Challenges and Response Strategies in Practical Operations

Although the above paths seem clear, many potential problems still exist in practice. For example, language communication barriers may lead to misunderstandings; cultural differences may affect the establishment of interpersonal relationships; coupled with high cost expenditures, all these factors bring pressure to entrepreneurs. In response to this, The Wall Street Journal pointed out that many Chinese companies tend to underestimate the impact of these factors when first entering the U.S. market.

To avoid getting into trouble, the following measures are recommended

Find reliable partners, especially those with rich experience;

Regularly participate in industry exchange meetings to broaden your network;

Develop detailed financial budgets and reasonably control expenditures;

Keep up with the latest policy trends and adjust strategies in time.

Conclusion

In summary, registering a company and applying for a visa in the U.S. is a complex but feasible process. As long as adequate preparations are made and various challenges are actively addressed, overseas development can begin smoothly. It is hoped that this article can provide useful references for friends who are about to embark on this journey. Remember, success often belongs to those who dare to take the first step!