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US Business Immigration
Moving to the United States on the basis of your own business: you set up a company in America and run it as an executive. We match the visa to your business and your citizenship.
US business immigration offers entrepreneurs several routes. The L-1 visa suits owners and executives of an operating company abroad who open a US subsidiary or office and transfer there to manage it. The E-2 visa is for investors from countries that have a trade treaty with the United States: you put a substantial amount into a US business and direct it. For those ready for a large investment, the EB-5 program leads to a green card.
The right choice depends on your citizenship, how your business is structured and your budget. E-2, for example, is open only to treaty-country citizens; citizens of Russia and Belarus cannot use it and more often go the L-1 route. We analyze your business, pick the visa, help set up the US company and prepare the petition and the documents for your interview.
Who it is for
- Owners and senior executives of operating companies abroad
- Entrepreneurs entering the US market
- Investors from countries that have a trade treaty with the US
- Entrepreneurs' families: a spouse and children receive dependent visas
- Investors considering a green card through a large investment
Requirements
- L-1: an operating company abroad and your executive or managerial role there for the required period
- L-1: a US company related to the foreign one, an office and a realistic growth plan
- E-2: citizenship of a treaty country and a substantial investment in a US business
- E-2: a real, active business rather than a passive investment, with a controlling stake held by the applicant
- EB-5: an investment under the program, based on the latest available information from $800,000 in targeted areas and from $1,050,000 elsewhere
- Proof that your funds come from a legal source
What we do
- Analyze your business and citizenship and pick the right visa
- Help register the US company and document its link to the foreign one
- Prepare the business plan and financial model
- Gather the evidence: financial statements, your role and the source of funds
- Prepare the petition or the consular package and answer requests
- Prepare you for the interview and arrange visas for your family
Key documents
- Passport
- Foreign company documents: registration, financial statements, ownership structure
- US company documents and the office lease
- Business plan
- Proof of your position and duties
- Proof of investment and source of funds for E-2 and EB-5
- Marriage and birth certificates for your family's visas
How it works
- Choosing the visaanalysis of your business, citizenship and budget
- US companyregistration, bank account and office
- Documents and business planproof of your role, finances and growth plan
- Filinga petition to US immigration authorities or a package to the consulate
- Interview and visaconsular interview and visas for your family
Timeline
Setting up the business and documents usually takes from several weeks to several months; petition review and interview wait times depend on the category and the consulate.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- A foreign company without real activity does not qualify for the L-1
- For a new office under the L-1, immigration authorities look closely at the plan and the premises
- The E-2 is not available to citizens of countries without a treaty with the US, including Russia and Belarus
- Weak proof of source of funds is a common reason for refusal
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is from $43,000. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
Which US business immigration route fits me?
If you have an operating company abroad and you manage it, most likely the L-1. If you are a citizen of a treaty country and ready to invest in a US business, the E-2. If you are ready for a large investment and want a green card, the EB-5. We go through your case during the consultation.
Who can get an E-2 visa?
Only citizens of countries that have a qualifying treaty with the United States. Russia and Belarus, for example, have no such treaty, so their citizens usually look at the L-1 or other routes. We check your citizenship before anything else.
How much do I need to invest for an E-2 visa?
There is no fixed minimum. The investment has to be substantial relative to the cost of the business and enough to get it running. In practice, consular officers look at how the amount relates to the business plan. We do not advise on what to invest in, but we help prepare the investment documents.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 receive dependent visas. L-1 and E-2 spouses can work in the US, and children can study. You will need marriage and birth certificates with translations.
Does a business visa lead to a green card?
An L-1 for executives can become the basis for a green card petition in the category for multinational managers. The E-2 does not lead to a green card on its own; it is renewed as long as the business operates. The EB-5 leads to a green card from the start.
How long does the process take?
Setting up the business and preparing documents usually takes from several weeks to several months. Petition processing and the wait for an interview depend on the category and the consulate. We draw up a realistic schedule once the visa is chosen.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Related programs
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
