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Attorneys Assisting Immigrant Entrepreneurs and Investors in Florida
In a global economy, companies and individuals are searching to partner with one another to achieve their business and personal objectives. This often requires importing talent from abroad: foreign nationals who are ready to invest their resources and talents in significant enterprises that create jobs for American workers. Recognizing the vital contributions these individuals make to the economy, the United States has established entrepreneur and investor visas. Due to the complexities of the process, however, it is imperative that applicants work with experienced Tampa visa attorneys.
Brown Immigration Law assists immigrant entrepreneurs and investors throughout Florida. We understand both the legal and economic realities of foreign nationals who are seeking to turn their business dreams into a reality, and we are ready to counsel them. Our dedicated Tampa immigration lawyers are here to walk with you each step of the way through the visa process.
Providing immigration solutions in Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.
Which Investor or Entrepreneur Visa Do You Need?
The American visa program offers a robust variety of visas that are designed to suit the unique needs, qualifications, and goals of different foreign nationals. Determining which visa best fits your situation is critical, and that’s where our law firm steps in.
These are among the most common visas that foreign investors and entrepreneurs obtain:
EB-5 Investor Visa: If a foreign investor is prepared to invest in a business that creates jobs for American workers, the EB-5 Investor Visa may be the right option. Applicants for this green card must either invest at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise or a minimum of $800,000 in a targeted employment area (e.g. an area with high unemployment). Either way, the investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The deadline to do so is two years from the date of entry as a Conditional Permanent Resident.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Citizens of countries that have a commerce and navigation treaty with the United States may opt for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. This program is reserved for foreign investors who are able to live and work in the country and make a substantial investment in a U.S. business. The applicant may invest in either a new or existing business, provided their objective is to enter the United States to develop and manage the company.
L-1 Visa: More specifically known as the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa, this allows executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge who are working in multinational businesses to transfer to affiliated U.S. companies. The applicant must have worked for their current employer for at least one continuous year within the three years that immediately precede their application. The purpose of their entry must be to serve the U.S. company in an executive, managerial, or specialized employment capacity.
H-1B Visa: This visa is primarily intended for skilled workers. Nonetheless, certain entrepreneurs may be able to obtain the H-1B Visa. To qualify, the applicant must be employed in a specialty occupation and meet certain criteria regarding their knowledge, training, and experience.
B-1 Business Visitor Visa: Some foreign nationals are involved in U.S. businesses in a more limited capacity. Examples include serving as a consultant, negotiating a contract, or participating in a conference or convention. If this description fits you, you may be able to obtain the B-1 Business Visitor Visa if you can demonstrate a legitimate business purpose to enter the United States, show that you intend to stay for a limited period of time, and prove that you have available funds for your travel and stay. The applicant should also show that they intend to return home after the trip and that there is nothing keeping them from entering the United States. In some cases, a B-1 visa is a better choice for foreign employees with temporary work assignments that require specialized job skills.
Immigration Help for Foreign Nationals Operating Businesses in America
Once you obtain your visa, it is likely that you or your business will need additional legal services. Brown Immigration Law can assist with the following (among other matters):
Worksite compliance: Various laws and regulations exist to prevent employers from abusing the immigration and visa system, and enforcement is accomplished via worksite compliance checks and government investigations. To that end, we can help with such issues as audits, I-9 verification, E-verify, and more. The goal is to help your organization remain compliant by avoiding civil and criminal penalties.
Litigation: In the event your business faces litigation to enforce immigration laws or regulations, you will need a seasoned attorney to challenge the government’s allegations. Our firm handles all stages of litigation from filing and answering court pleadings, motions, service of process, discovery, court appearances, and more. Many of these matters can be effectively negotiated and settled to your satisfaction without the need for trial or extensive court proceedings.
Policy development: For U.S. businesses that want to hire foreign nationals, the best way to avoid compliance problems and lawsuits is to develop comprehensive internal policies and procedures. This ensures that everyone in your organization follows the law and takes immediate and appropriate corrective measures once legal irregularities have been identified. Our Tampa business immigration attorneys will help with policy development, implementation, and training.
Potential Pitfalls for Immigrants Seeking to Do Business in Florida
Despite taking precautions, some visa applicants run into problems and end up having their applications rejected. Our Tampa immigration lawyer can help you avoid these common complications:
- Application errors, including incomplete sections and missing documents
- Not meeting the eligibility criteria of the requested visa (e.g., applying for the wrong visa)
- Having a criminal history, which could impede or prevent your approval
- Issues involving the applicant’s health
- Expired passport and other passport problems
- Inadequate proof of the visa applicant’s connection with their home country
- Insufficient evidence that the applicant will return to their home country upon the expiration of their visa
- Overstaying one’s visa or otherwise violating its terms
- Lack of financial means to pay for the applicant’s stay in the United States
- Failure to clearly state the applicant’s business purposes for entering the country
Do You Have an Immigration Attorney Near Me?
Brown Immigration Law maintains an office at 400 N. Ashley, Suite #1900, in Tampa. The building sits at the start of the Tampa Riverwalk, next to Kiley Gardens. Onsite parking is available. We maintain another office in Orlando and additional offices in Durham, NC, Columbus, OH, and Cleveland, OH.
Contact Brown Immigration Law in Tampa for Help with Your Business
Working with the right immigration lawyer, foreign investors and entrepreneurs can bring their considerable talents and resources to the United States, benefitting the country in the process. Count on Brown Immigration Law to serve all of your immigration law and visa service needs in Tampa. Connect with us online to get started.
Contact our Tampa office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and future in the United States.
