Those seeking to immigrate to the United States for business have several visa options available to them. Meeting with an experienced Houston business immigration lawyer could help you find the one that is right for you.
J. Lopez Law prides itself on client-centered advocacy. Our immigration attorneys look forward to providing representation that allows you to further your personal immigration wishes and the success of your business.
There are dozens of visas offered for immigration into the United States. Therefore, many visa categories contain provisions for entrepreneurs and those seeking to immigrate for business purposes.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has identified several key considerations that immigrants looking to do business in the United States should evaluate, including:
Visa requirements and eligibility vary. Consult a Houston business immigration attorney to find the appropriate visa for the business you intend to conduct in the U.S.
If you wish to do business temporarily in the United States, you may qualify for the B-1 Temporary Business Visitor Visa. This visa permits holders to visit the U.S. for one to six months to participate in business endeavors.
Business endeavors may include contract negotiations, professional conferences, and certain airline operations. As is customary with visa applications, a potential applicant must satisfy all eligibility requirements and be otherwise admissible to the U.S. Confer with a lawyer to determine whether you meet the requirements for a specific visa or if anything could cause an issue. For example, an applicant with a criminal record can be denied despite being eligible. USCIS permits a B-1 Visa to be extended for up to six months. In total, a B-1 Visa can only grant a maximum of one year in the United States to conduct business.
Spouses of the initial applicant and their unmarried children under the age of 21 years old may apply for B-2 Visas to immigrate to the United States as well. If you are considering applying for a B-1 Visa and would like your family to accompany you, consult a business immigration lawyer in Houston.
If you wish to conduct business permanently in the United States, you may qualify for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Visa. In comparison to the B-1 Visa, the EB-5 is harder to obtain, as it has stricter requirements.
The EB-5 application begins with filing Form I-526 if you are a standalone investor or Form I-526E if you are a regional investor. A substantial investment must be made in a business to qualify for the EB-5 Visa. Therefore, USCIS created a Regional Center Program where EB-5 applicants can pool their investment with other qualified immigrants.
There are two paths to continuing the EB-5 application; once your Form I-526 or I-526 E is approved, you will complete Form I-485 or Form DS-260. Form I-485 should be completed if an immigrant visa is immediately available to the applicant.
Finally, you must submit Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. This final action is completed later than your initial application.
If you are an international entrepreneur seeking entry into the U.S., a Houston business immigration lawyer is as vital to your team as an accountant. Learn about your options for business visas by scheduling a consultation with the attorneys at J. Lopez Law.
713-955-3323