Advice on moving to the US as a solo entrepreneur

[KYJAH 0]

Hello everyone,

 

I’m hoping to get some advice about obtaining a US visa sometime in the near future. I am a 23 year old from the UK, and have travelled solo to the US various times for extended periods and one day hope to be able to stay out there for good!

 

I currently run an online business selling jewellery and accessories which brings in around £40-50k revenue annually, as well as being employed as a marketing manager for a separate fine jewellery business.

 

After doing some research, it seems that if I were to pursue the ‘entrepreneur’ route, the O1 visa seems to be the most appropriate. Can anyone give me some feedback on just how attainable something like this may be in my case, or if it would be easier to go down a different route entirely?

 

I am considering consultations with immigration lawyers to get a more detailed understanding tailored to my situation - is this generally worth doing or would it be better to go about it all independently?

 

Yes. I’m aware of the immense challenge that I face, and that most responses to queries like this are often implying that there is no hope… but any genuine advice for me going forward, even just something that I may be able to aim towards in the future, would be immensely appreciated! 

 

Thanks in advance!

[smilingstone 597]

"The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements."

 

With all due respect, although generating £50k p/year in revenue at 23 is certainly commendable, I don't think USCIS will regard it as extraordinary in this context and your employment experience is likely limited due to your age. By all means, try for the O1 but it's going to be costly, especially if you are consulting with lawyers.

 

I think it would be more likely, even though still unlikely in your sector, to pursue an EB visa. Is your employer a multinational? If so, maybe you can speak to your management about the possibility of transfer.

[appleblossom 4,411]

Your own business isn’t going to work for a visa. Sorry to be blunt but that’s not special enough for an O-1, for an O1-A you have to prove that you have “a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentage who have arisen to the very top of the field of endeavor” with “national or international acclaim”. 

 

Any other business related visa would require you to hire US staff but it sounds like you’re a one man band? If it’s an online business I think you’d also struggle to prove you need to be in the US. But think of it as a long-term plan, maybe in 10 years you will have various outlets, and lots of staff working for you. Then a business related visa would be more feasible.

 

And your other role is more promising. As @smilingstone said, look in to the possibility of an employment transfer. 
 

Also, whatever you do, don’t work for your own business when in the US! Getting caught working when you shouldn’t be could cause major issues down the line. Just enjoy your vacations and leave the laptop at home. 
 

Good luck. 

Edited May 23 by appleblossom

[Crazy Cat 44,445]

Another vote for an employment visa (unless you and a US SO are thinking about marriage).  Good luck.

[EatBulaga 483]

17 hours ago, KYJAH said:

 

Hello everyone,

 

I’m hoping to get some advice about obtaining a US visa sometime in the near future. I am a 23 year old from the UK, and have travelled solo to the US various times for extended periods and one day hope to be able to stay out there for good!

 

I currently run an online business selling jewellery and accessories which brings in around £40-50k revenue annually, as well as being employed as a marketing manager for a separate fine jewellery business.

 

After doing some research, it seems that if I were to pursue the ‘entrepreneur’ route, the O1 visa seems to be the most appropriate. Can anyone give me some feedback on just how attainable something like this may be in my case, or if it would be easier to go down a different route entirely?

 

I am considering consultations with immigration lawyers to get a more detailed understanding tailored to my situation - is this generally worth doing or would it be better to go about it all independently?

 

Yes. I’m aware of the immense challenge that I face, and that most responses to queries like this are often implying that there is no hope… but any genuine advice for me going forward, even just something that I may be able to aim towards in the future, would be immensely appreciated! 

 

Thanks in advance!

This may or may not be related to your situation, but if you can turn your 50K revenue business into a high-value investment in the US, then you can be considered for the EB-5 

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program

 

Also, I knew a guy once with another pathway (EB or L1?) who had an overseas business and opened a US office. As an executive of his own company, he got the L1

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager

Edited May 24 by EatBulaga