Work Visa Options for Startups and Small Businesses

Work Visa Options for Startups and Small Businesses

Work visa options for foreign entrepreneurs are provided in two categories: (1) nonimmigrant visas for visiting foreign entrepreneurs who want to research and/or start a new business in the U.S., and (2) immigrant visas, which allow foreign entrepreneurs who have started a business in the U.S. to immigrate permanently.

Nonimmigrant Visas

B-1 Business Visitor — for entrepreneurs coming to the U.S. to start a business (negotiate contracts, lease space, secure funding, etc.) or attend meetings in connection with starting a business. Lasts up to six months with extensions available.

F-1 Optional Practical Training — for students with F-1 visas who plan to start a business that is directly related to their field of study. Authorized for up to 12 months or 17 months for students with a qualifying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degree.

H-1B Specialty Occupation — for entrepreneurs with a bachelor’s degree or higher who are planning to work in the businesses they start. Initial period of stay is three years, with possible incremental 3-year extensions.

O-1A Extraordinary Ability and Achievement — for entrepreneurs with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics who are coming to the U.S. to start a business in one of those fields. Initial period of stay is three years, with possible incremental 1-year extensions.

E-2 Treaty Investor — for nationals of foreign treaty nations who wish to make a significant investment in the U.S. Initial period of stay is five years, with possible incremental 2-year extensions.

L-1 Intracompany Transfer — for executives, managers and employees with specialized knowledge who work in an overseas company (that also has U.S. facilities) to move to the U.S. to work in the company’s U.S. location. Initial period of stay is three years, with possible incremental 2-year extensions.

Immigrant Visas

EB-1 Extraordinary Ability — for those with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim. Your achievements must be recognized in your field through extensive documentation. No offer of employment is required.

EB-2 Classification and National Interest Waiver — for those who have exceptional ability and whose employment in the United States would greatly benefit the nation.

EB-2 Advanced Degree Professional — for those whose jobs require an advanced degree or its equivalent (a bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressive work experience in the field).

EB-2 Exceptional Ability — for those with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.

The North Miami attorneys at Jurado & Farshchian, P.L. are experienced professionals who can assist with your business immigration or residency issues, no matter where you live or work. Please contact us at (305) 921-0440, or email us at info@jflawfirm.com.

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