Foreign Investor Visas

17 Feb, 2019

The United States is still the land of opportunity and the world’s largest economy.

People from around the globe want to immigrate to the US because off the limitless opportunities for individuals and families.

Among the most uncomplicated ways to move permanently to the US would be obtaining an investor visa. There are two varieties of investor visas: E2 visas and L1 visas.

The E2 Visa

The E2 is the simplest and, therefore, the most popular of the 2 options. A minimum investment is required, that can vary by country of origin but is no less than $100,000 US dollars for British nationals. A minimum investment of $100,000 US is also required from Canadian nationals. The required investment could reach $500,000 US for various other countries.

The L1 Visa

The L1 visa is available to to business owners in other countries who wish to also do business in the US. The designated representative of the business buyer may apply for an L1 visa by means of an inter-company transfer, which results in a “permanent resident” status in the US, upgradable to a green card within two to three years.

E2 and L1 Visas are fairly easily obtained if you adhere to the standard procedure and stay on top of the issues involved. Denis Berger, a Seasoned New York Business Broker and professional intermediary can guide you through all the steps, and in the proper order. Henry Galasso can assist you in the critical decisions of where to live and what kind of businesses do well in any particular area.

Locating businesses that qualify for L1 Visas can be challenging; a visa qualifying business must have good tax returns and “properly documented” employees. These same businesses are also in demand by resident Americans, so you will need to be coached to assume a winning style of negotiating with the local business seller.

B1 Visa

A short term business visa Not allowed to sign contracts or perform work for hire.
Length: Temporary, up to 6 months
Limitations: Can negotiate but cannot sign contracts

B2 Visa

A short term Tourist visa
Length: Temporary, up to 6 months
Limitations: Can negotiate but cannot sign contract

E-1 Visa

Treaty trader visa. Good for setting up a business that will trade with the visa-holder’s home country. Must be with a country with an appropriate treaty with the US
Length: Temporary, can be renewed until business is no longer in operation
Limitations: Is only valid as long as there is a business. Children under 21 cannot work, and lose their status once they turn 21

E-2 Visa

Treaty investor visa. Allows a citizen of a treaty country to come to the US to start a business
Length: Temporary, can be renewed until business is no longer in operation
Limitations: Is only valid as long as there is a business. Children under 21 cannot work, and lose their status once they turn 21

EB-5 Visa

Investor Green Card program. Requires an investment of $500k to $1MM, must hire at least 10 US residents within 2 years and survive more than 5 years
Length: Leads to permanent residence after probation period

L-1 Visa

Inter company transfer visa. Allows holder to transfer from foreign company to a US company subject to restrictions
Length: One year, with up to 3 extensions
Limitations: Employee must have worked for foreign, related company for more than one year in the last 3 years

H-1B Visa

Specialized labor visa
Length: Three year, extendable
Limitations: Annual quota restricts number of visas available. Cannot be used for self-employment.