Three Types of Needs, Three Choices
Applicants who need to travel to the United States for business inspections and negotiations periodically:
Suitable visa category: This type of applicant is more suitable for applying for a short-term business visa (B1 visa), which allows the applicant to stay in the United States for a short period. This type of visa is generally divided into single-entry visas (i.e., entering the United States only once) and multiple-entry visas. Generally, the visa officer will decide which visa category to grant based on the applicant's own conditions and the purpose of their visit to the United States. However, in most cases, applicants who have already obtained a B1 visa find it easier to obtain a multiple-entry visa when applying again.
Points to note: Holders of this type of visa must pay attention to the fact that they generally cannot bring family members along, and they also cannot stay in the United States for a long time or change their status; otherwise, it will affect future visa applications.
Applicants who frequently trade with the United States and need to stay in the United States for a long time:
Suitable visa category: This type of applicant is more suitable for applying for an entrepreneur multiple-entry visa (L1 visa), which allows the applicant to stay in the United States for a long time and travel freely during the validity of the visa. They can also bring their spouse and children to live with them as needed. During the validity of the visa, the spouse can work legally, and the children can attend local public schools for free. Another benefit of this type of visa is that when the operating conditions of the U.S. company meet certain criteria, they can apply for a direct transition to U.S. permanent residency without being subject to quotas and waiting periods.
Points to note: Applicants for this type of visa should be aware that they generally need to be senior managers of a company and must establish a branch in the United States to apply for an L1 visa.
Applicants who are optimistic about a certain market or business in the United States and plan to invest and start a business there:
Suitable visa category: This type of applicant is more suitable for applying for EB5 investment immigration. The applicant can establish a new company in the United States, acquire a business, or invest in certain risk projects. When the investment amount reaches $1 million (or $500,000 in certain special areas), they can apply for immigration for the whole family. The requirements for this type of application are relatively lenient, only requiring proof of the legal source of the investment funds. The applicant's spouse and children can also move to the United States to live.
Points to note: This type of applicant first receives a two-year conditional green card. After two years, as long as the investment funds are in place, the business is still operating, and 10 full-time employees are hired, they can apply for the removal of conditions and become a U.S. permanent resident with a green card.
