Bernard P Wolfsdorf
Immigration Attorney
Answered on
Yes, you can set up a business while in the U.S. on a business visitor visa but you can not work in that business unless you have a work visa.
How can I register a business as a visitor visa holder?
My firm is a transport and solid waste management service provider in Pakistan. I want to establish a trucking business in San Francisco and open a bank account so I can transfer funds. I have an valid B1/B2 visa right now. I do not have a office or anything in the U.S. I might use this business for EB-5 in the future. Can I register businesses as a visitor visa holder?
Answers
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Fredrick W Voigtmann
Immigration AttorneyAnswered onEstablishing a business and opening a bank account is allowed under the business visitor category. Working or providing services to that company in the United States is not allowed under the business visitor category and would require work authorization.
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Stephen Berman
Immigration AttorneyAnswered onYou can register a company. But you cannot conduct any business in the U.S. on a visitor visa.
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Lynne Feldman
Immigration AttorneyAnswered onYes. I suggest setting up a legal entity, applying for an FEIN and then can establish a bank account, enter into a lease in the company name, etc.
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Ying Lu
Immigration AttorneyAnswered onYes, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in order to register a company.
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Belma Demirovic Chinchoy
Immigration AttorneyAnswered onYes, you can establish a business in the U.S. without a work-authorized visa.
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Dale Schwartz
Immigration AttorneyAnswered onAnyone can own most types of businesses in the USA. But you cannot be employed by your company until you get a different type of visa. We have helped many clients from Pakistan change to an E-2 Treaty Investor visa.
