Opening a branch in the US

Nuclear_Themes

I am part owner of a business that is currently doing quite well for itself and we're looking to open another branch. We've looked at a number of different locations and have been closely looking at a few areas in the US.

I am struggling to get my head round visas. A friend of mine advised me that having a business that employs 2 full time members of staff is sufficient to allow me to live over there.

Although there are 3 of us, if we did opt for something in the US I would be the only one moving permanently. Can anyone try and help me clear this up? Is there more to it than just that?

My biggest concern is that in the first 6 months I would only be employing one member of staff and without physically being there I will struggle to get it to the stage of requiring two.

Kaybenson

I think you need to check with US embassy or join forums that discusses their immigration policy. Good luck.

Horace

Agreed you need to contact the US Embassy.

You could also try BABC - I think this is run by Birmingham Chamber in conjunction with the American Chamber although I cannot swear to it because it could be British Chambers of Commerce with the American Chamber.

heretolearn_2

I'd stop listening to friends for a start, people say all sorts of things that they think should be true, but often turn out not to be true. Likewise asking on forums Why aren't you looking at the US immigration site? - it's not brain surgery and if you can't manage to find and navigate a website are you sure you can cope with setting up a business halfway across the world?

Here's the official US site.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

A quick look brought this up on the visa for Permanent Workers

Fifth Preference EB-5

This preference is reserved for business investors who invest $1 million or $500,000 (if the investment is made in a targeted employment area) in a new commercial enterprise that employs at least 10 full-time U.S. workers.

So you need to invest at least half a million dollars and employ at least 10 people full time.
Doesn't sound like an option for you.