The importance of foreign entrepreneurs in the United States cannot be overstated. They have always been an essential part of the American economic engine, even from the country’s origins. Foreign entrepreneurs bring a unique work ethic, drive, spirit of innovation, and love of freedom and business to the United States that American citizens sometimes take for granted. This not only contributes significantly to America’s economic might, but makes it better culturally, pushing the country toward growth while creating better products and resources.
Like you, most E-2 visa applicants I have assisted over the course of my career have simple dreams and goals at the heart of their decision to come to the United States: they just want to create a better life for themselves and their families. Practically, this often means starting their own business and working for themselves rather than someone else. Many turn to the United States because of the freedoms it offers that enable them to start their own business and realize this dream.
Additionally, many have families and want their children to be able to go to a good school and take advantage of the opportunity a good education here in the United States presents them. This is perhaps the strongest pull of the E-2 visa. Not only can applicants bring their entire family, but their children can go to school, and their spouse can work with virtually free reign, employable by any U.S. employer. This visa facilitates a strong sense of freedom that the entire family can enjoy, with no restriction to where they live within the United States.
Being in Florida, we have many people visit on vacation from around the world. When they do, some find they really enjoy their time and decide to try to find a way to live here. Many of my clientele contact me at this point in their journey. We talk about the E-2 visa, and many find it very compelling off the bat. Understandably so! With so much upside and freedom to enjoy, what isn’t to like? They’re not tied to anyone and can essentially self-petition themselves here.
The E-2 visa affords immigrants so much. In many ways, I think it exemplifies the American dream. With it, you have the opportunity to start your own business and run your own life. You’re not tied to anyone else and can forge your own future.
If applying for an E-2 visa is something you are considering, you should set up a consultation with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. There can be a lot of moving parts to an E-2 visa application, and attorneys typically do not charge much for a consultation, so there’s really no harm in just talking things through with one. Even if you don’t necessarily hire an attorney immediately, speaking with one will give you an idea of what you need to do, as well as the advantages and any potential pitfalls there could be for your particular situation.
When I meet with someone for the first time, I kick things off by discussing what kind of business the person is thinking about starting or buying. While most people already have a good idea about what type of business they want to start or buy, some don’t. This is a discussion that needs to happen because as much of this is an immigration process, it’s also a business process.
When someone comes for the first time to talk about this, I need to get a good sense of what their personal goals are, what kind of lifestyle they want to have, how much they want to be working, and how much money they’re able to invest into the business. Their financial resources will be an important part of this process because, at the end of the day, the E-2 visa is an investor visa. I also need to confirm their immigration eligibility, and this is a critical aspect of that.
Finally, there are various questions that I would need to know the answers to about their immigration history. These questions are concerned with whether they qualify for the visa to begin with.
Some people find how everything in America is competitive as a challenge. If you are coming from a country that is not capitalistic or market-driven, this can be a big adjustment. If you’re moving to the United States for the first time to start a business, you will likely encounter this. Beware that you will need to adjust and become competitive to thrive economically. Know your market and who you have to not only compete with but beat out to succeed. This obviously can be friendly competition in an ultimate sense, so don’t get too worried! Nevertheless, this requires a lot of initiative, dedication, and forethought, which can consume your time and mental strength.
On the other hand, you have the freedom to do that – to grow your business as much as you possibly can. There’s really no limit to how much you can succeed. That’s the most attractive part of it for many. Whether or not it outweighs the drawbacks is ultimately up to you!
For more information on The Importance Of Foreign Entrepreneurs In The US, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (305) 306-7833 today.