An overview of six U.S. visa pathways for entrepreneurs and professionals who want to leave a poorly governed home country and move to the United States: the E-2, E-1, EB-5, L-1, O-1, and EB-2 National Interest Waiver.
Thinking About Making Your Move to the U.S.?
If you’re an entrepreneur whose home country is so poorly governed that you’re plotting to get out, and if you love America and its people, values and culture, maybe it’s time to make your move to the U.S.
Here are a few visa pathways to consider:
Investor and Trader Visas: E-2, E-1, and EB-5
The E-2 visa is for nationals of about 80 treaty countries—including Canada, the UK, Australia, for example, but not India, China or Russia—who make a “substantial investment” in a real U.S. business and come to direct and develop it by, among other things, hiring Americans.
The E-1 visa is for nationals of treaty countries engaged in “substantial trade” between their home country and the United States.
The EB-5 visa is for investors who put at least $800,000 (under current rules) into a qualifying U.S. project, create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs, and pursue a green card.
L-1, O-1, and EB-2 NIW Visas
The L-1 visa is for managers, executives, or specialized-knowledge employees transferring from a qualifying foreign company to a related U.S. one.
The O-1 visa is for individuals of extraordinary ability and sustained acclaim in their field.
And the EB-2 National Interest Waiver visa is for individuals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability whose proposed endeavor is in the U.S. national interest — without a traditional job offer or labor certification.
About Me
I’m Joseph Bovino, U.S. immigration and business attorney based in the free state of Florida, serving clients worldwide, and specializing in visas for entrepreneurs, investors, businesses, and families.
Want to talk through your situation? Book a consultation with me.
