Want to get my start-up going in USA...E-2 Visa best way? (small business, pay)

[rocklee]

Hey guys, I know the timing doesn't sound great based on how the American economy is doing right now, but I was hoping I could get some information on the best way to start up my business in the USA.

I've researched the requirements and what the E-2 Visa gives to a small business owner, and it looks like it could be right for me. I can get together enough capital, and I believe that my business will "further" the American economy.

Is there any other avenues I could take to getting legal status in the US with the purpose of starting my business?

I have a BA degree in Business from the University of Alberta in Canada, and my major is Entreprenuership. I have experience in and accounting job, but I am not sure if I am eligible for a H-1/H-2/TN Visa. Even if I was, I can't think many US accounting firms (especially now) willing to provide jobs to someone in my position.

I have no issues working small jobs or doing an internship while I get my business going, and to pay the bills until I start seeing some revenue...what kind of Visa should I be looking at to accomplish this?

I know I may sound inexperienced, pie-in-the-sky, and probably a little arrogant, but I have high amibitions and am fully aware and prepared to take on the seemingly insurmountable challenges I am going to face.
However, I am truly serious about this, and I would greatly appreciate all the information I can find, so I can see if this is a viable option for me.

Thank you very much.

Justin

[Dave1215]

Find a US partner and let them run it from here - with you being a remote owner... that way you have no worries about the visa...

[rocklee]

Interesting idea....I will definately look into that.
Thanks for the response

[Dan Castello]

Originally Posted by Dave1215

Find a US partner and let them run it from here - with you being a remote owner... that way you have no worries about the visa...

... or find a prospective U.S. employer who will file for (or has already filed for) an H-1B. This is a nonimmigrant visa class (no green card) that will allow you to legally work in the U.S. for up to 3 years. This would allow you to obtain U.S. business experience before you go out on your own.

The thing with H-1B visas is that often employers have a position open and a foreign national who they want for the position. By the time the petition is approved and the visa is available, the prospective employee (the "beneficiary") has taken another position or is otherwise no longer available. In this case the employer ("petitioner") is permitted to designate a new beneficiary (who must also meet the initial qualifications) without having to reapply.

I believe that some of the investor/entrepreneur visa classes have geographical targeting provisions. You can invest less money but it has to be in a designated (economically depressed) area. Hence, it is not unknown for wealthy Korean or Chinese nationals to invest in agricultural operations in Iowa, South Dakota, etc. This allows them and their immediate family members to get U.S. residency, live on the East or West Coast, open another business and leave their farm in the hands of a professional manager for the requisite number of years before selling. (maybe 5-10 years)

Good luck.