Entrepreneurs/Investors

Entrepreneur & Investor Visa Options: Your Gateway to Success in the U.S.

The United States is a leading hub for innovation, offering unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to launch and scale their businesses. Whether you are a startup founder, a seasoned investor, or a business executive looking to expand into the U.S. market, the U.S. immigration system provides several visa options tailored to your needs.

At Cho Law LLC, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and investors navigate the complex immigration process to establish and grow their businesses in the U.S. This comprehensive guide explores the primary visa options available, breaking down eligibility requirements, benefits, and how we can assist you in your journey.

Why Choose the U.S. for Your Business Ventures?

The U.S. boasts one of the world’s largest economies, a strong investment climate, and access to cutting-edge technology and talent. Entrepreneurs and investors can benefit from:

• Access to venture capital and private equity funding.
• A business-friendly legal and regulatory framework.
• A highly skilled workforce and leading research institutions.
• Expanding into the world’s largest consumer market.
• Residency pathways leading to U.S. citizenship.

To take advantage of these opportunities, selecting the right visa is crucial. Let’s explore the options available for entrepreneurs and investors like you.

Visa Options for Entrepreneurs & Investors

E-2 Visa: Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 visa allows foreign nationals from treaty countries to invest in and manage a U.S. business. It is ideal for entrepreneurs who wish to actively oversee a business venture in the U.S.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a national of a treaty country.
• Must make a substantial investment in a U.S. business.
• Must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control.
• The business must be bona fide and not marginal, meaning it should generate significant income.

Key Benefits:

• Valid for up to 2 years, with unlimited extensions.
• No set minimum investment amount, though typically $150,000+ is recommended.
• Allows spouses and children under 21 to accompany the investor.
• Spouses are eligible for work authorization in the U.S.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 visa provides a direct pathway to U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) through investment in job-creating enterprises.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA.
• The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
• Capital must be lawfully sourced and at risk for the purpose of generating a return.

Key Benefits:

• Direct Green Card pathway for investors and immediate family.
• No employer sponsorship required.
• Access to U.S. education and healthcare benefits.
• Flexibility to live anywhere in the U.S. (not tied to a specific employer or job).

L-1 Visa: Intracompany Transferee for Entrepreneurs

The L-1 visa is a great option for foreign executives or managers looking to expand their existing business to the U.S. or establish a new branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year in the last three years.
• The U.S. business must be a qualifying entity (subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
• The applicant must be transferring in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.

Key Benefits:

• Initial stay of up to 1 year for new businesses, with extensions up to 7 years.
• Pathway to Green Card (EB-1C) for multinational executives.
• Allows for dependents (L-2 visa), with spouses eligible for work authorization.

O-1 Visa: Extraordinary Ability in Business

The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, including entrepreneurs, business executives, and investors.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must demonstrate extraordinary ability through major awards, publications, media recognition, or high salary.
• Must be recognized nationally or internationally for achievements.
• Must have a S. job offer or sponsorship.

Key Benefits:

• Initial validity of up to 3 years, with 1-year extensions.
• Allows work for multiple employers if petitioned appropriately.
• No minimum investment required, making it ideal for solo entrepreneurs and high-profile investors.

How Cho Law LLC Can Help Entrepreneurs & Investors

At Cho Law LLC, we understand the challenges of launching and expanding businesses in the U.S. Our team of immigration experts provides tailored solutions to ensure a seamless visa application process.

How We Assist:

1. Strategic Visa Planning – We assess your business goals and recommend the best visa option.
2. Comprehensive Documentation Support – Assistance in preparing business plans, investment evidence, and legal documentation.
3. Petition Preparation & Filing – Our attorneys handle all aspects of filing with USCIS.
4. Legal Representation – We liaise with U.S. immigration authorities on your behalf.

FAQs About Entrepreneur & Investor Visas

Q: What is the minimum investment amount for an E-2 visa?

There is no set minimum, but investments of $150,000 or more are generally recommended. The amount must be sufficient to establish and sustain the business.

Q: Can I get a Green Card through an E-2 visa?

The E-2 visa does not directly lead to a Green Card, but you may transition to an EB-5, EB-1C, or other employment-based Green Card options.

Q: How long does it take to get an EB-5 visa?

Processing times for EB-5 petitions can range from 1 to 3 years or more, depending on many factors including the location of investment, USCIS processing, and visa availability.

Q: Can my family join me if I get an investor visa?

Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you under dependent visa categories (E-2, L-2, EB-5, etc.). Spouses on E-2, L-2, and EB-5 can also work in the U.S..

Q: Do I need a business plan for an E-2 or L-1 visa?

Yes. A detailed business plan outlining investment, job creation, and operational strategies is a critical part of the application.

Contact Cho Law LLC Today

Your entrepreneurial and investment aspirations deserve global opportunities. Let Cho Law LLC guide you through the U.S. immigration process and help you achieve success in the world’s most dynamic business market.