Sasemed98

I’m exploring if an E-2 visa could be a viable option for me. I have around $25–30k to invest and I’m considering two options: Family Painting Business: My dad has a residential and commercial painting company that has been operating and registered for 10+ years. He hires U.S. citizens on a project basis. His health is declining, so he can’t be very active anymore. I could take over the business (fully or 50%) and invest ~$30k in equipment, a van, website, and marketing. Software Consulting Startup: My current J-1 employer said they will hire me remotely after my program ends. I could set up a U.S. company providing software consulting or contractor services. However, I’m unsure how best to invest the $25–30k, and it would be unlikely to hire U.S. citizens in the first year. Would either of these options be viable for an E-2, or would I be better off pursuing a student visa instead?

My bad – I thought it meant that people who would otherwise have to wait 10 years could move to the front of the line. Unfortunately, my company isn’t willing to sponsor, they only offered me remote work. I think my best move now is to switch to an F1 and use that time to look for companies that might be open to sponsorship. As a backup, I’ll have my dad sponsor me once the change of status is approved (or denied).

I just found this article about a new proposed bill to have people pay 20k usd to get in front of line for long visa wait times. Would this be a realistic option for me to hope for? https://visaserve.com/dignity-act-of-2025-a-new-20000-fast-lane-to-green-cards-for-long-waiting-immigrants/

When they said remote they meant for me to return to my country (Montenegro) and work for them remotely. I said I’m not sure that they’d sponsor me for H-1B exactly because of that remote offer - it would be simpler/cheaper for them if I work for them from my country. And you’re right - I don’t really consider H-1B right now because it’s a lottery and I would only start in October. Unless I transfer to a F1 visa just to buy me some more time. I’d look for cheaper colleges or scolarships. I would like to explore other options thru employment. Can you clarify how would an E2 visa work in my case? I read it’s an investment visa and I don’t really have huge amounts of money to invest. My company imports goods from countries like China but not from my country (Montenegro).

My dad is going to be a citizen before the end of the year, but I’m not sure that would help me in any way because the wait time would still be 8-10 years.

I’m currently in the U.S. on a J-1 visa for a software development internship program, which ends in about 7 months. Relevant details: My dad is a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and could sponsor me, but since I’m over 21, the wait time would be 8–10 years. As far as I understand, I wouldn’t be able to legally stay in the U.S. during that waiting period. The company I’m interning with has said they plan to offer me a remote position after my program ends, but I’m not sure they’d be willing to sponsor me for an H-1B right now. I’d like to know what my options are for staying in the U.S. legally. The most reasonable one I’ve found so far seems to be switching to an F-1 visa for bachelor’s or master’s studies, but I’d like to hear if there are any other good alternatives.