The 4 Main Ways to apply for Immigration as a Business Migrant
There are 4 ways that you may apply to migrate to
the USA as a business migrant:
- Long Term Business Visa.
- Investor.
- Entrepreneur.
- Employees of Relocating Business.
1. Long Term Business Visa
This allows business people to be issued with a work visa, for up to 3 years' duration, if they have a specific business proposal. Applicants must have a satisfactory business plan, have sufficient settlement funds, have sufficient investment capital, and demonstrate to the visa officer that they are genuinely interested in establishing a business in the USA.
The Long Term Business Visa (LTBV) category is a specific category and temporary entry policy that is aimed at potential migrants who wish to either buy an existing business or set up a new business in the USA. In order to qualify under LTBV category principal applicants must provide proof of good English, in many cases this means an "overall band" score of at least 5.0 on the IELTS English language test.
Successful applicants under the LTBV category are granted a work visa/permit for an initial period of nine months, that can later be extended for up to 3 years. Approved LTBV applicants may later apply for permanent residence under the Entrepreneur category.
A principal applicant under LTBV category must:
- Have a satisfactory business plan that is realistic and demonstrates an understanding of the the USA business environment; and
- Have relevant business experience; and
- Have proof of good English, in many cases this means an "overall band" score of at least 5.0 on the IELTS English language test; and
- Have, in addition to investment capital, sufficient funds for their maintenance and accommodation (and that of any spouse or partner and or dependent children accompanying them to the USA) for three years; and
- Meet health and character requirements policy; and
- Show that the business will be of benefit to the USA; and
- Satisfy the business immigration specialist that they are genuinely interested in establishing a business in the USA.
To apply under this category you must not have been involved in a business failure or bankruptcy in the past 5 years, and not have been convicted of fraud or professional misconduct.
If you have qualifications that are essential to the business you want to establish, you should check that these are recognised in the USA as some professions require compulsory registration with the appropriate professional body in the USA
The the USA Immigration Service Business Migration Branch assesses all applications lodged under the Long Term Business Visa/Permit category. The Long Term Business Visa/Permit is a special category of work visa/permit and is not a residence category. You may apply under this category if you are a potential migrant interested in applying for residence under the Entrepreneur Category. You may also apply under this category If you are interested in establishing a business in the USA but do not wish to live permanently in the USA.
To apply under the Long Term Business Visa/Permit category, you must:
- have a satisfactory business plan; and
- have, in addition to investment capital, sufficient funds for your maintenance and accommodation and that of any non-principal applicants; and
- satisfy the business immigration specialist that you are genuinely interested in establishing a business in the USA.
- meet English language requirements.
In addition, you and any family included in your application must meet health and character requirements. A business plan is a proposal to establish a specific business in the USA.
This plan must include the following information, and be supported by appropriate documentation:
- an outline of your proposed business and its viability; and
- financial information (forecasts and financing options); and
- your business experience (including English language ability); and
- your knowledge of the the USA market.