Questions and Answers > EB-5 Investments

How can I operate a business during the I-526 waiting period?

I want to invest in a business from scratch while on an H-4 visa. How can I operate and profit from the business while waiting for the I-526 petition approval? If this is not possible, what are my other options for meeting the commitment of funds requirement while waiting up to 19 months for I-526 approval?

Answers

• Reza Rahbaran

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 22, 2014

  H-4 holders are not permitted to work, therefore, operating a business is not allowed.

• Ed Beshara

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 26, 2014

  You cannot work or operate a business in the United States while under an H-4 status. By consulting with an EB-5 attorney, you can determine alternative legal ways of working in the United States as soon as possible, especially before the decision is made on the I-526 petition filed.

• Salvatore Picataggio

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 26, 2014

  If you have other sources of funding (or wish to invest more than the required amount for EB-5 purposes), you can operate the business. Be careful of the timelines for job creation. Consult an EB-5 attorney to review the details of your proposed process.