The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, is a crucial tool for those awaiting a U.S. visa, particularly for employment or family reasons. It helps manage expectations by indicating when visas are available.
Key Features:
Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based Preferences: The bulletin divides into sections for family-sponsored and employment-based visas, each with categories and cut-off dates.
Priority Dates: Your priority date, the day your petition was filed, must precede the cut-off date in the bulletin to proceed with your visa application.
Monitoring: Applicants must regularly check the bulletin to see if their priority date becomes current, indicating they can apply for their visa or adjust their status.
For those aiming to be self-employed in the U.S., there are several visa options, despite the absence of a specific self-employed visa category.
Options Include:
International Entrepreneur Rule (IER): Allows entrepreneurs to stay in the U.S. if their business venture provides significant public benefit.
B-1 Visa: For temporary business visitors, this visa has very limited scope for freelancers and does not allow for hands-on work in the U.S.
E-2 Visa: Ideal for entrepreneurs starting or purchasing a business in the U.S., requiring the business to employ U.S. workers.
F-1 Visa: Students may start a business under certain conditions, including qualifying for a STEM OPT extension.
H-1B Visa: Allows for an ownership interest in the petitioning entity but requires the entity to file the petition as the employer.
L-1A Visa: Suitable for opening a new office in the U.S. for managers or executives of foreign employers.
O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement, allowing work as an independent contractor.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin is essential for navigating the U.S. immigration system, especially for those waiting on family-sponsored or employment-based visas. For aspiring entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals, the U.S. offers several visa options tailored to different business activities and investments. Each pathway has specific requirements and validity periods, emphasizing the need for careful planning and consultation with immigration experts to ensure compliance and maximize the chances of success.
For personalized assistance and to navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law, consulting with experienced immigration attorneys is recommended. They can provide invaluable guidance, helping you understand your options and prepare your applications effectively.
Prepared on the information from berardiimmigrationlaw.com and queensimmigrationlaw.com