With specialized support, it is possible to be both an entrepreneur and a resident in the United States. Opening a company or a U.S. branch is a great alternative to achieve the dream of living in Uncle Sam’s land. However, planning, as always, needs to be well-articulated. In the case of opening businesses, knowledge related to the basic requirements will be necessary. A good consultant not only guides through the bureaucratic aspects but also conducts research to find the most practical investment paths. According to U.S. legislation, there are some business models for a foreigner to open a company in the U.S.
However, merely opening a company does not grant the right to reside in the country. Lawyer Ingrid Domingues McConville states that the path to the Green Card through investment in the United States is possible. To achieve this, it is essential to be familiar with the legal procedures. For example:
L1 Visa – Granted for the transfer of partners, executives, and specialized individuals from a company that intends to open a branch or already has an American affiliate. The rule is to have an active company in the home country, even when starting businesses in the United States. After a period of an established company, the executive or manager can qualify and apply for permanent residency.
E-2 Visa – A temporary, non-immigrant classification granted to citizens of countries with which the United States has a treaty. It is used for investors who wish to invest a substantial amount in an American company. Brazilians with dual citizenship, such as Portuguese, Italian, German, Spanish, French, are eligible for this type of visa.
Even with these available investment visas, many people are unaware that they may qualify for another type of visa – the EB-2 NIW – intended for experienced professionals with academic training, granting permanent residency in the United States.
But what should never be forgotten is that everything has to be very well-planned. Here are some pieces of advice from Dr. Ingrid Domingues McConville, a lawyer with over 27 years of immigration experience who has seen many people suffer due to a lack of real knowledge:
- Seek a good accountant to determine tax matters that may affect you in Brazil and the U.S. if you do decide to immigrate.
- Consult a real estate broker so that you can carefully research the area of the country you are considering living in.
- Before choosing an area to live/rent or buy, inquire about schools for children, the neighborhood, and do NOTHING without discussing everything with your lawyer, as this is the person with whom you should discuss all your plans before putting them into action.
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- Ingrid Domingues-McConville founded DM VISA LAW – Domingues McConville, P.A. in 1995. She has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1995 and a member of the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. Ingrid earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. With over 27 years of experience in Immigration Law, Ingrid has represented clients throughout the United States and worldwide, handling both business and family immigration matters. She has helped companies and individuals obtain visas and permanent residence in the United States. Ingrid plays a significant leadership role in the Brazilian community in South Florida and throughout the United States, providing much-needed guidance and legal advice.