US Visa Options for Business

Transcript

1. obrienandassociates.com | @USVisaExpert US Visa Options for Business
2. If you want to do business in the USA you will need a VISA
3. It’s important that you approach working in the US the right way
4. Visa Waiver may be adequate initially, but…
5. Avoid being denied entry on Visa Waiver at all costs, because one strike and YOU’RE OUT
6. One refusal means a LIFETIME BAN on ever using the Visa Waiver program again
7. Understanding the visa waiver and B-1 visa
8. What business IS permitted?
9. Permitted business on VW/B-1 • Meetings • Negotiating contracts • Consulting with business associates • Attending a convention/conference • Short-term training • Litigation • After-sales service if a contract exists • Pre-investment activities
10. What business IS NOT permitted?
11. • Working • Managing a business • Soliciting business, especially if you’re a principal • Engaging in work as an consultant • After-sales service if no contract exists Business not permitted on VW/B-1
12. It’s up to YOU to PROVE ELIGIBILITY
13. Every business visitor should have written evidence of:
14. Purpose of travel Every business visitor should have written evidence of: Invitations to meetings; Receipt for tradeshow ETC.
15. Purpose of travel Ties outside the US Proof of residence (Personal bank statement showing salary/mortgage/rent) € Proof of employment (Letter from employer) Every business visitor should have written evidence of: Invitations to meetings; Receipt for tradeshow ETC.
16. If 50% of your time, cumulatively, is being spent in the US, you will almost certainly be denied entry on Visa Waiver
17. Don’t take that risk! Seek professional advice, as you may need a B-1 visa at this juncture
18. US Immigration regulations are tricky and not intuitive
19. Seek expert advice! US Immigration regulations are tricky and not intuitive
20. US Work Visa Categories
21. Intra- company transfer (L-1) Visas
22. L-1 intra-company transfer Visa An important visa for foreign companies with a physical presence in the US
23. L-1 intra-company transfer Visa An important visa for foreign companies with a physical presence in the US Managers and Executives (L-1A) Specialized Knowledge Workers (L-1B) Suitable for:
24. L-1 intra-company transfer Visa An important visa for foreign companies with a physical presence in the US Not suitable for New Hires: Employee must Have worked with the non-US company for at least one year
25. L-1A Managers and Executives may also be eligible for permanent residence (‘green card’) under a fast-track category for Multinational Managers/Executives L-1 intra-company transfer Visa
26. E Treaty Visas
27. A valuable option for nationals of countries which have relevant treaties with the US, including Ireland and the UK Nationals of the treaty country must own at least 50% of the business. E Treaty Visa
28. Eligible employees are Managers, Executives or Essential Skills Workers who share the nationality of the company. Unlike the L-1, new hires may qualify for E Treaty Visas. E Treaty Visa
29. Available to foreign companies trading substantially with the US E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
30. What is substantial trade? A significant volume of US clients. E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
31. An option for those who have invested substantially in a US business E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
32. What is substantial investment? Depends on the type of business; at least $100,000 must be spent E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
33. H–1B Professional Visa
34. The H-1B Professional Visa is for degree holders being sponsored by a US employer for a professional position (one which requires a degree). H-1B Professional Visa
35. This is a heavily regulated category with an annual quota of: 65,000 visas worldwide (and an additional 20,000 for holders of US Master’s degrees) H-1B Professional Visa
36. Quota opens April 1st. Applying early is essential; this year’s quota was reached within one week. H-1B Professional Visa
37. Chnge is on the way Change is on the horizon
38. The US immigration reform bill was passed by the Senate in July 2013
39. The US immigration reform bill was passed by the Senate in July 2013 and is now up for debate in the House of Representatives
40. It could mean new visas, higher quotas and more green cards
41. To explore your best visa options, contact O’Brien & Associates
42. O’Brien & Associates have offices in New York City Kilkenny, Ireland
43. For over 15 years, Deirdre and her team have successfully delivered US visa solutions to top companies and individuals.
44. To ensure your smooth transition to the US, call us today
45. Click here to follow us on Twitter Click here to find out more about us www IRL: 056-776 7994 US: 212-965 1148 Click here to download our e-guide
46. Taking care of your US visa needs on both sides of the Atlantic www.obrienandassociates.com