GRG

From reading the thread posted by the 'journalist' further down the page, I get the impression that this isn't the easiest thing to do in the US.

Is there anyone reading the forum who has started a business in the US and would be willing to offer some advice?

I own a nursery in London and have found premises in New York that seem suitable for a similar venture. How feasible would it be for me to obtain a visa if I decided to go ahead? What does the process involve?

I'd really appreciate any advice at all.

BritGuyTN

do you have $500k to bring over to invest?

fatbrit

Sounds like an L1 to me. Make sure you keep both businesses going. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the easiest), you've got a nine and a half.

GRG

In my own business, you mean? Would hiring a number of US employees at a combined annual salary of about half that count? Do capital costs count? Or does this investment have to be some sort of deal where you put money into a bank account or another company?

Arizona Wurzel

Hope this helps
There are basically seven ways that you can get a visa to live and
work in the US:

1) Marriage to a US citizen, or engagement for marriage which must
take place.

2) You have skills that are in short supply in the US such as
scientific or medical training. The job must be the sort that
usually needs a degree, and you must have a relevant one or
at least 12 years of degree-level relevant experience.

3) You have an employer who is willing to transfer you. The
employer has to make a good case for you. You typically have
to be a manager unless you fall under category (2) above.

4) You may get a Green card in the diversity lottery (people born
in Britain are usually not eligible; they may be if their
spouse or parents were born in eligible countries).

5) You own or buy business (but you cannot get to Permanent
Resident Status this way - that is, no green card). The
business must have a minimum value of around $100k (the more
the better) bearing in mind you will need somewhere to live,
and with any startup business you will need at least 2 years
living money as back up. So a figure of $250k would be clsoer
to a realistic minimum.

6) You are an "investor" i.e. you have at least US $1m in assets
to bring with you. Your background will be heavilly investigated.

7) You have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister and
no further) who is a US citizen and will sponsor you. This takes
anywhere from 2 to 12 years.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Ray

Thats a bit old there Worzel....... but the basic is there
There are talking about in you case an L-1A visa
which is a Intra-company transferees visa ..a possible if you
have an existing large enough business

TouristTrap

You don't have to invest 500k if you do it as an L1-A. If you have a successful biz over there, you shouldn't have a problem opening up here.

The legal issues regarding registering the nursery might be the toughest hurdle. I would definitely consult an attorney and find out the in and outs before I would commit to registering such a company here.

Ray

are you thinking child nursery or plant nursery ...

TouristTrap

I assumed they call nurseries, garden centers in the Uk, but of course I'm under correction, that is why I assumed it was a kid nursery.

GRG

I own a nursery school in London, taking children up to age 5. I'm considering opening a sister school in New York. Presumably I'm able to do this whether I have a visa allowing me to live there or not if I employ someone to run it for me.

In order to qualify for this L1 visa, do I have to show that my business here is worth a certain amount, or do I have to be able to invest a set amount in the business there. Would signing a ten year lease worth $500k count as an investment of $500k? I don't understand the ins and outs of it.

GRG

How large does such a business have to be?

Bob

L1 is a bit tricky meeting the requirements, especially if it is your own business...as for a job with kids, very tough out in certain parts, NY would be one of them I would imagine.

GRG

In what regard? The requirements for registration are exactly the same as the UK. Can't see how it could be any different to running a London school.

Ray

For an L-1A visa Intra-company transferees visa..your company (not you)
must be of a size that would be acceptable to the State Dept (ie. your'e not a home business with a couple of employees.. Remembering this visa was designed for the likes of GM Ford Microsoft ..to move their employees around ... This is not an investment visa ...
But the company would be expected to make sizeable investments in any new offices etc ...
Google L-1A visa for lots of info ..

Ray

Litigation ..... litigation ...and litigation ..... and USA qualifications ...