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Hi Peter, Thanks for the AMA, it is extremely helpful. I am a Canadian citizen looking to Incorporate a c-corp in US and move to the bay area in the near futu
by y248zhao 9y ago
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the AMA, it is extremely helpful.
I am a Canadian citizen looking to Incorporate a c-corp in US and move to the bay area in the near future to work on the business. What is the best route to take with regards to visa. The company will be based out of the bay area.
Background: I graduated from University of Waterloo last year and have worked in the bay area previously on TN visa.
- proberts 9y agoAs a general rule, CBP and USCIS will not approve TNs for founders or owners of the sponsoring employer so your options would be an E-2 (based on an investment) or O-1.
- y248zhao 9y agoThanks Peter!
- designium 9y agoI read that you can have L1 visa for new office in the US if you already have an existing corporation outside the US.
- y248zhao 9y agoI believe you are correct. The downside of L1 from what i read is that you have to maintain an office outside of United States. This is a bit difficult for startups with just the co-founders. Correct me if i am wrong.
- proberts 9y agoThat's correct. During the life of the L-1, the company needs to maintain an office and active operations outside the US.
- y248zhao 9y agoHi Peter, A follow up question for the E-2 Visa option. Am i correct in saying, as long as 50% of U.S business is Canadian owned, myself as well as other Canadian citizens can qualify as E-2 essential employees.
- proberts 9y agoAnd if there is a substantial investment by Canadian citizens or Canadian-owned companies in the US company.