1. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

Who It's For: Nationals of countries with which the U.S. maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation who wish to invest in a U.S. business.

Key Requirements:

• You must be a national of a treaty country.

• You must invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business (no set minimum, but generally $100,000 or more).

• You must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control.

• The investment must be in a real operating enterprise, not just a passive investment like stocks or bonds.

• The business must generate more than enough income to support you and your family.

Advantages:

• Spouses can apply for work authorization.

• Renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains viable.

Considerations:

• Not available to citizens of all countries.

• Investment must be substantial and at risk of loss.

2. L-1 Visa for Intracompany Transferees

Who It's For: Executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge transferring to a U.S. branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of their current foreign employer.

Key Requirements:

• The business must be related to a foreign company (e.g., a parent, subsidiary, affiliate).

• The applicant must have worked for the related company abroad for at least one continuous year within the past three years.

• The U.S. company must be operational and able to support an executive or managerial role.

Advantages:

• Allows dual intent (can lead to permanent residency).

• L-2 visa holders (spouses) can work without restriction in the U.S.

Considerations:

• Start-up companies must show viability and have a plan for expansion in the U.S.

• The visa is initially granted for one year for new offices, with the possibility of extension.

3. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Who It's For: Investors who make a substantial financial investment in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum investment of $1.8 million, or $900,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (rural or high-unemployment area).

• The investment must be in a new commercial enterprise or a troubled business.

• The business must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years.

Advantages:

• Leads directly to a green card (permanent residency).

• Investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21 can all obtain green cards.

Considerations:

• High investment threshold.

• Requires careful planning to ensure compliance with job creation requirements.

4. O-1 Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

Who It's For: Entrepreneurs with extraordinary ability in business, sciences, arts, education, or athletics.

Key Requirements:

• Must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in your field.

• Requires evidence such as awards, publications, high salary, or significant contributions to your field.

Advantages:

• No cap on the number of O-1 visas issued annually.

• Can lead to permanent residency through EB-1 visas.

Considerations:

• Requires substantial evidence of extraordinary ability.

• Typically best for entrepreneurs who have already achieved significant recognition.

5. H-1B Visa for Specialty Occupations

Who It's For: Entrepreneurs with a job offer from a U.S. company in a specialty occupation requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree.

Key Requirements:

• The position must qualify as a specialty occupation.

• The applicant must have a relevant degree or equivalent experience.

• A U.S. employer must sponsor the visa.

Advantages:

• Dual intent allows for future pursuit of permanent residency.

• Can work in the U.S. for up to six years with extensions.

Considerations:

• Annual cap on the number of H-1B visas issued.

• Requires employer sponsorship and a clear employer-employee relationship, which can be complex for self-owned businesses.