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Comment by pedalpete | Hacker News Reader

I haven't done it, but you can get a B1 visa which gives you 6 months entry into the United States. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/au/au-niv-typeb1b2.asp

This gives you some time to figure out if Silicon Valley is the right move for you, and to help you grow your business in the US. However, it is a temporary visa, so the expectation is that you would return to the EU after it expires. I'm sure many people use the 6 months to find a way to stay in the US.

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Not good advice, a B1 does not allow you to operate a business (though you can do sales or take meetings). You need to speak with a lawyer to determine what counts as working on your business. Also it's very hard to get a B1 as a European due to the visa waiver program which gives you 90 days - you need a very good excuse why those 90 days aren't enough (remember you aren't allowed to operate a business), and if they reject you then for ever after you have to click the button on the immigration form saying 'have you ever been denied a US visa'.

Your best options are the O1, if you think you can meet three of the eight criteria, or the E-2 visa. Both will cost $5-10k in legal fees and distract from building your business. Eligibility for E-2 with $100k in investment (must be from your home country does not have to be from you) will depend on your business plan.

Either way, you have to talk to a lawyer not an internet forum. Most lawyers will give you advice for free on the expectation that you will pay them to do the work.

afair what you say is not correct - please correct me if i am wrong

* getting a B1 is very easy (you essentially just need to provide a valid reason - eg fundraising or sales for your company)

* everyone can own US businesses afair - you are just not allowed to start a individual business or receive salary from it

* s/he might just get employed at the european entity

b1 is afair even suggested for this kind of case - get an b1 - see if you can get more funding - if yes go for long term e1/e2

afair the e1/e2 is issued by your local embassy directly - so you can discuss w/ them your actual investment - might be easier than O1 for your own company

PS: most importantly: as seen in this thread and mention by comment above: rely on lawyers not on contradicting forums posts

"afair" is not good enough if you are dealing with US immigration.

B1 is very easy. So much so that there's no reason to not apply to a B1/B2 at the same time even you are just going to visit on vacation. Who knows, you might find that there will be a conference near your hotel, which you wouldn't be able to attend as a tourist.

Now, let's get some info from UCSIS:

https://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/b-1-business-visitor/un...

"+ How do I demonstrate that the purpose of my trip is to explore starting a business?"

" A written statement detailing the purpose of your visit, the activities you will participate in, and the intended duration of your stay Meeting confirmations (letters, emails, etc.) Meeting agendas/outlines/read-aheads Invitations for trade shows, conferences, meetings, etc. Evidence of acceptance into an incubator or accelerator program, including a description of the program activities and duration Evidence of the source of payment or other compensation, if any, you will be receiving while in the United States"

So, B1 seems to allow what the OP wants to do.

But then again, I'm not a lawyer. OP should get one.

yeah, but for a European who has ESTA you have to explain why you need 180 days not 90 days. They are very suspicious of why you need longer, I know because I tried and got rejected and then had to tick that box while getting my O1 and EB1. You are depending on the whim of the guy you meet on the day. Best to stick to ESTA and avoid B1.

Yes this is exactly my experience too.

My home country of residence or of citizenship ?

There is no minimum investment for an E2 visa. My lawyer who is currently assisting me through the process has gotten approvals for investments of just $14,000.

Wow... $ 14k for what kind of business and where ?

where are you from ?

I am thinking of starting a dev shop :P. I am from Mexico by the way. Unfortunately, the E2 visa is only valid for a year for us so I will have to renew frequently.

More info on the minimum required below:

https://www.meltzerhellrung.com/blog/what-do-e-2-proportiona...

Thank you, but for my experience (spoke with some lawyer) while this is legally true(no min investment required) it's really hard that they accept your request with only $14k-20k invested in your business in 2017.

Specially if you're moving around a big city(or silicon valley).

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