Different US business visa types are available to foreigners who wish to enter the US to pursue one business engagement or another. These visas have similar requirements but a few differences, but they are all designed to allow business persons to visit the United States legally.
The immigration law of the US allows foreigners with high skills and talents to enter the country temporarily or permanently to offer varying services, including investors who may enter into investing in different sectors.
The idea behind the US business visa is to attract foreign nationals to boost the economy by offering their investments or skill. If you are looking to exploit investment opportunities, attend business meetings in the US or would like to reside permanently, applying for a temporary business visa is a clever way to start as long as you meet the requirements and have the resources to invest in the US economy. This visa is suited for those who do not qualify for the visa waiver program.
US Business Visa Types
The US economy is the most dynamic and largest in the world and is designated as a high-income economy where the citizens have a Hugh purchasing power. You may choose to establish a new business from scratch, enter into a partnership, buy a franchise, or purchase an existing business and scale it. Whichever option you choose, many industries in the country have diverse opportunities. Not only that, the US government has created different visas that investors may apply for.
Here are the four types of business visas.
Temporary Investor Visa
The temporary investor visa is divided into the E1 and E2 visa. These visas are issued to foreigners wishing to enter the US to start a new business or invest in an existing one. This visa is only open to nationals from selected countries, and the qualified ones must meet specific criteria. It is also worth noting that the investor's spouses and children are not eligible for a visa under the E1 and E2 investor visa.
Permanent Investor Visa
The permanent investor visa is called the EB-5 Visa and is one of the few business visas that offer the holder a pathway to US permanent residency and citizenship. EB-5 allows foreigners to invest in the US by setting up a business, and after some years, they are issued a green card. With a green card, they can live in the US as permanent residents and bring their spouse and children over as long as they are unmarried and under the age of 21.
Business Expansion Visa
Another type of visa is the Business Expansion Visa called the L-1 visa. This special short-term visa offers no pathway to citizenship and is a non-immigrant visa.
It allows companies abroad to set up branches in the IS and transfer some of their staff to the new branch to man it. If you have a business with subsidiaries in the US and would like to transfer some of your staff, this is a business visa you can get for yourself and them.
Corporate Immigration Business Visa
The Corporate Immigration business visa is available for those who already have a business in the US.
It is for small, medium, and large-scale enterprises that must move their employees into the US. This visa's requirements differ from the others and require specific legal steps. Corporate Immigration business visas also require the business to have minimum working capital.
The B1 Visa
Of all the business visas issued by US embassies abroad, the most popular of them all is the B1 visa. B1 is a non-immigrant visa with flexible features, and it may be issued as a single-entry visa or a double-entry visa. Most B1 visas have six months validity, but there are special cases where the applicant may be given a visa valid for one year if it is for multiple entries. To qualify for B1, you must meet the minimum financial requirements and provide specific documents. Holders of B1 visas may stay in the US for up to 90 days per visit.
US Business Visa Eligibility
The eligibility and requirements are different for all business visas in the US, so you must do your due diligence when applying for one in particular. However, here are the eligibility criteria for the B1 visa.
The purpose of your visit must be business related
You must possess the required finances to cover your trip
You must have strong links with your home country to return back
Applicants who meet these criteria are usually issued visas.
US Business B1 Visa Requirements
Here are the requirements for a B1 visa
A completed visa application Form DS-160 with a confirmation code
Valid passport with six months validity minimum
Social Media account details
Interview confirmation page
Passport photograph
Cover Letter
Financial statement
Ties to home country
Employer letter for employed applicants
If you intend to apply for any other US business visa types besides the B1 visa, please do your findings before submitting your application.