Which Visa would I (an aspiring entrepreneur) require?

insomniacl
New Member



Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 4
Location: Toronto

Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 5:19 pm

 

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Hi guys, I've been doing a bit of research and have had trouble finding the proper type of visa that I would require in order to stay in the states for a prolonged period of time in order to work on my business.

Basically, heres my profile:
I'm a 20 year old business student in my 3rd year of university in Ontario. I'm a Canadian citizen as well. It is my wish that after I graduate (in 2009) with my degree, that I move to California (specifically the San Francisco/San Jose area, silicon valley) to work and develop my internet venture / technology related business. I have tons of experience in my industry, been doing it since I was a kid. I have my company incorporated federally in Canada as well.

However, every type of Visa I've looked at requires the classification of "worker/employer", that is, someone would need to be HIRED by a US company in order to get there. As you can understand, I'm an entrepreneur/investor (although without 500k to invest), it would be my desire to live and be able to be employed in the states (afterall, entrepreneurs can fail, or I may fancy a job at Google/Yahoo/Apple, etc.) but for as long as I can survive there, I would not seek employment.

What should I do? Is there a Visa available that fits my scenario? Or do I need to hookup with a job employer in order to get a visa? I expect that I'd want at least 5 years secured, after which I'd follow up with an application for residency or move back, depending on how my business is doing.

Thanks for your time!

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Vince22
Junior Member



Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Posts: 20
Location: North York

Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 5:52 pm

 

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My guess would be.

launch your company here. After operating a business in Toronto for atleast 1 year you can apply for an L-1 Transfer visa and go to the U.S to open a branch.

You must be able to show that your toronto branch is in opperation the entire time that you are in the U.S

Talk to an accountant to see how you can do that. YOu might have to employee a certain amount of Americans to make this work.

all the best,
Vince

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insomniacl
New Member



Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 4
Location: Toronto

Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:51 pm

 

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Hi, after a bit of looking around, I found that some have had success with TN Visas as "self-employed".

Question is whether I'd have any success with that, given that I'm younger, have enough business contracts with US businesses, etc.

Thanks

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TNVisaExpert
Moderator


Canadians helping Canadians

Joined: 02 Apr 2007
Posts: 147
Location: San Diego, California

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 12:57 pm

 

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You may also want to look into the E2 treaty Investor visa.
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insomniacl
New Member



Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 4
Location: Toronto

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:50 pm

 

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I think I looked into that, don't I require investments of $500k or more and employ at least 10 people? If so, I can't meet those requirements.

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Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Location: Red Bank, NJ USA

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:52 am

 

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No thats for an EB-5 immigrant investor ($500-$1 million), an E-2 just requires a substantial investment. There is no magic number, it depends on the industry. Some service-based business are approved with a $50,000+ investment.

You can work as a self-employed Canadian on a TN. Many folks do this successfully. This type of application is complicated but approvable.
_________________
Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
Special Counsel
Law Offices of David T. Ferrara, LLC
www.naftalawfirm.com
P: (732) 784-2877
Email: Crizzo@naftalawfirm.com

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kelseymc
New Member



Joined: 12 Nov 2007
Posts: 2
Location: Calgary

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 6:16 am

 

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Christopher,

I notice you said that TN can be obtained by a self-exployed person but it is 'complicated but approvable'.

I am searching for more information on the TN for Self-employed and each website says "Self-Employed are not permitted to apply".

do you have more information? Is this a new policy?

Any info would be great!

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wart
New Member



Joined: 23 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Toronto

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:48 pm

 

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was there any reply to this? i am self-employed and having similar confusion about what to do.

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