Legal Question in Immigration Law in Washington
H4 visa start and operate a business
I am a Canadian H4 visa holder and would like to start a trading business at home in the States. Please advise:
1. Can I operate the business? Do I need to change my visa
staus? What visa can I apply other than E visa?
2. Can I set up a company in other country and transfer myself to the States by obtaining a L1 visa?
Thank you very much for your help.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: H4 visa start and operate a business
Individuals in the U.S. legally (or illegally, for that matter) are permitted to start, buy, own and run businesses. You cannot earn any income legally unless you have employment permission and a tax ID# such as a social security number. H4 does not include employment permission. Your questions are good, but not very easy to answer in a forum like this. You would spend money wisely to have a consultation with an immigration attorney to really discuss your options.
E-2 and L-1 could be options, although the rules for L-1 require a person to actually be employed abroad for a related company prior to coming to the US... and there are other complications. Its just not cut and dried to recommend options. I recommend that you read about the visa categories, and then get some advice.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
