CA90210

I’m a UK citizen and I want to live in the USA. I have my own businesses and whilst I am successful, $1 Million is not an insignificant amount to me to spend for an Investment Green Card. I’m wondering, if I set up a company in the US (regardless of the investment) and then sponsor myself for a Green Card, could that be a possibility? If this is, would there be any restrictions or problems? Like would I only be able to work for that company and be confined to that set area, and would there be other restriction that a GC Holder would not normally have? I’m not looking to take an American job, but I would like the freedom to further my own business interests and so on.

Thanks for your views.

dunroving

You might get more answers if you post this question in the Immigration forum - but you might not get the answers you want.

ian-mstm

Consider it the cost of doing business.


Are you suggesting opening a US branch of your current business? If so, your existing company could sponsor you for an L-1A visa and, once in the US, the company could sponsor you for a change of status to Permanent Resident (= green card). The trick here, is that the existing business must remain in operation throughout.

In theory it sounds easy, but there's quite a bit of paperwork involved... and it's neither a "slam dunk" nor a DIY project. You will want to engage an experienced immigration attorney (not service) to assist.

Perhaps a moderator can move this to a more suitable forum.

Ian

CA90210

Hi Ian,

Thanks for your reply. I'm very aware I will need an experience immigration attorney to complete the formalities, but I need to make my plan first.

When I said $1M is not an insignificant amount to me, I was leaning towards it's not something I could likely come up with soon as my industry is very much more in the US and most of the business I do now is directed towards the US because that's where the market is, so I really need to be there to make the millions, but it's catch 22 in that sense.

I'm not sure whether suggesting opening a US branch of my current business or opening a new business entirely in the US. Would either be viable routes for a Green Card, and either a better route?

Back to my original question, what kind of requirements and restrictions would this situation pose if any? As it's my company would that be allowed for me to in effect sponsor myself, and would it be okay that it's not the $1M investment because it's not the Investment Green Card (are there requirements for the company in the L-1A Visa, for example investment, turnover, time of establishment, etc?)?
And in addition, would this type of GC have more restrictions than others, like not being able to work for any other company or conduct any other business activities or be confined to that said area?

There's some very helpful and knowledgeable people on here as I've studied these forums, I hope some will be able to shed some light.

Thanks

scrubbedexpat099

How big is the UK business, how many employees, turnover.

What field of operation are you considering.

Flabound oneday

the L1A fits you well IF you can demonstrate that the UK company can and will continue to operate with you in the US. Its harder with solely owned entities -are you the 100% shareholder in the UK ?

if you can get past this then you dont need to invest $1m

you will need to set up a start up company in the US as a subsidiary of the UK one and show a plan for growth AND employment of US citizens withing the year you will get your visa for. Oh and need an office etc.

once ensconced you can then persue the GC

oh and you must have 'worked' for the UK company for at least a year in the past 3 .

Ray

why not go for the $500k alternative then

meauxna

I think we are suggesting you have that part backward. Consulting with a lawyer is HOW you make your plan. They know a lot more about immigration than you and can point out options you may have missed.

You will do yourself a disservice if you think the lawyer is just filling in forms for you.

porvera

Why not go for the EB-5 visa and invest 500K?

You can then live wherever you want and start your own company, without any restrictions.

Porvera

AMBASSODOR

hmmm.. send me a pm, im sure we can talk

meauxna

If you've got something to add, this is the place!
Welcome to BritishExpats, where we discourage discussion of immigration matters in private message and email.

You never know who's on the other side of the screen, y'know?

AMBASSODOR

hmm your right like you don't know who's behind this screen lol whoever is curious enough feel free to pm with a yahoo chat account specifically yahoo then we might be able to get to know eachother lol
awesome forum by the way!!!!

meauxna

What I'm getting at actually, is that it's very strange for someone to post a message like yours as their first. It looks like soliciting business; I'm sure a quick review of the site rules will help you stay on the right side of not soliciting here.

iray

meauxna, don't you know it's inappropriate to speak to dignitaries such as an "AMBASSODOR" in such a manor? Perhaps you haven't checked your email in a while, but there are many AMBASSODORS who are seeking the help to move large sums of money in exchange for handsome commissions!

vcns

L1A visa is applied for by the british company, as long as you have been with them for at least a year. Even if you are the owner you can move yourself to USA to open a branch (although it doent have to be the same industry as the UK parent) Then once there you can, under dual intent, apply for an adjustment of status to permanent residence (green card!)

as a ps if you wne t doewn the eb5 investment visa route you wouldnt need $1mil as most states now have a limit of 500k for a struggling economy. You can invest e.g. in Texas but live in florida.