What type of visa do I need to oversee my investment or work in the U.S.?

Investors can apply for an E-2 Investment Visa or an EB-5 Visa for permanent residency. Workers, such as executives, managers, professional, or specialized personnel, can apply for E-1, E-2, L-1A, L-1B, H-1B, or O-1 visas, depending on their role and qualifications.

What visa do I need to open a business in the United States?

Opening a business as such does not require a visa, but actively operating it as an executive, manager, professional, or specialized personnel requires an E-1, E-2, L-1A, L-1B, H-1B, or O-1 visa, depending on the company’s activity and the applicant’s professional qualifications.

How much money do I need to invest to obtain an investor visa in the United States?

The minimum investment for an E-2 visa typically starts at $100,000, depending on the nature of the business. For an EB-5 visa, which can lead to a green card, the minimum investment is $900,000 in targeted employment areas or $1,800,000 in other areas.

How long does it take to obtain a Business or Investment Visa?

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and how quickly the applicant or company gathers required documentation. For example, an E-2 visa may take 2 to 6 months, while an EB-5 visa can take 1 to 2 years, depending on USCIS and consular processing.

What requirements do I need to work as a professional in the United States?

For an H-1B visa, qualified professionals need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or significant work experience in a specialized occupation. Additionally, a job offer from a U.S. employer and compliance with USCIS requirements, including the annual visa cap, are necessary.

Visas for
the United States

At Juris Magister Abogados we process Entrepreneur, Investment, Professional, Trade and Services Visas that best suit the needs of Spanish Entrepreneurs, Investors and Professionals for the development of their business or professional activities in the United States, as well as Visas for Executive, Essential, Specialized or “Training” Personnel that can be transferred from parent companies in Spain to subsidiaries or affiliates in the United States or personnel hired “ex process” by companies in the United States.

Nonimmigrant visas in the United States are temporary authorizations that allow foreign citizens to enter the country for a specific period of time and for a specific purpose, without the intention of settling permanently. These visas are regulated by the Department of State and issued under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Main characteristics of non-immigrant visas

Temporality

Nonimmigrant visas have a limited duration, which varies depending on the visa type and the purpose of the trip (days, months, or years). The stay can be renewed in some cases, but is always subject to restrictions .
Specific Purpose

Each visa category is designed for specific activities, such as work, business, or investment. The applicant must meet the specific requirements of the category applied for.

No Immigration Intent

Applicants must prove strong ties to their home country (such as employment, family, or property) to ensure they will not remain in the U.S. beyond the permitted time.
Consular Processing

Generally, applications are made at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad, although certain nationals may enter without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program for short stays.

Types of Nonimmigrant Visas for the United States

B-1 Business Visa

For business trips or short-term professional activities on behalf of a foreign company and for the development of activities to initiate business operations in the U.S. with a U.S. company.

B-1 VISA Information

E-1 Trader Visa

The E-1 visa facilitates trade between Spain and the U.S., allowing executives, managers, or specialists, as well as their family members, to reside and work in the U.S. after transferring to the U.S. or visiting the U.S. for work purposes. It requires substantial trade between Spain and the U.S.

INFORMATION E-1 Visa

E-2 Investor Visa

The E-2 Investor Visa is ideal for starting a business, investing, or expanding in the U.S., allowing investors, executives, managers, specialists, and family members of companies who are transferred to the U.S. or visiting the U.S. for work to reside and work in the U.S. It requires a substantial and irrevocable investment, creating jobs in the U.S.

E-2 VISA INFORMATION

L-1 Intra-Company Visa

The L1 Intra-Company Visa is used by companies to transfer executives and specialists who have worked for the parent company for one year to their U.S. subsidiary under the same conditions. It allows for residency and work, with multiple entries to the U.S. during its validity period.

L-1 VISA INFORMATION

Do you want to know which type of visa would be most appropriate for establishing or expanding your business in the U.S.?

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Visas for the USA

Investors can apply for E-2 Investment Visas or EB-5 Visas, and Workers (Executives, Managers, Professional and Specialized Personnel) can apply for E-1, E-2, L-1A, L-1B, H-1B, or O-1 Visas.

Opening a business as such does not require a visa, but operating as an Executive, Manager, Professional, or Specialized Person requires an E-1, E-2, L-1A, L-1B, H-1B, or O-1 visa, depending on the company’s activity and your professional qualifications.

Minimum investment amounts start at $100,000 for an E-2 visa or $900,000 for an EB-5 green card.

The processing time depends on the type of visa and how quickly the company or applicant gathers all the required documentation. Processing times at the Immigration and Consular Services can vary from 15 days to several months.

Qualified professionals seek details about the H-1B visa, such as academic qualifications or work experience.

Legal Warning

The information provided above is of a general nature and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or replace consultation with a specialized attorney. Each case is unique and requires a personalized analysis tailored to the applicant’s specific circumstances.

When selecting an attorney, do not be guided solely by advertisements. Be sure to verify the attorney’s academic qualifications, professional experience, and track record to ensure adequate and reliable representation.

Visas for the United States