Can Startup Founders Raise Capital in the U.S. on a Visa?
Yes—foreign startup founders can raise capital in the U.S., but choosing the right visa is essential to staying compliant with immigration law while pitching investors, attending accelerator programs, or incorporating a company.
Here’s a breakdown of the best U.S. visa options for startup founders:
1. B-1 Business Visa (Short-Term)
- Ideal for: Exploring the market, pitching investors, attending meetings
- Stay duration: Up to 6 months
- Limitations: Cannot work or receive salary from a U.S. source
⚠️ Use only for preliminary fundraising trips; not for managing daily operations.
2. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
- Ideal for: Founders with press, funding, or tech awards
- Duration: 3 years, renewable
- Sponsor: Can be your own U.S. company or an agent
- Key Benefit: No degree or H-1B lottery required
Great for high-achieving tech entrepreneurs who want to stay long-term and build in the U.S.
3. L-1A Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)
- Ideal for: Founders with a foreign business opening a U.S. branch
- Duration: 1 year (new office), up to 7 years total
- Must show: You’ve managed the foreign company for at least 1 year in the past 3 years
Best for scaling an existing business into the U.S. while maintaining global control.
4. E-2 Investor Visa
- Ideal for: Founders from treaty countries making a “substantial investment”
- Duration: Varies; renewable indefinitely
- Limitations: Doesn’t lead directly to a green card
Perfect for early-stage investors with capital ready to go.
5. H-1B Visa (If Sponsored)
- Ideal for: Founders working for their own startup (with proper governance)
- Duration: 3 years, renewable
- Challenges: Requires sponsorship and cap lottery (unless cap-exempt)
BONUS: EB-1A or EB-2 NIW (Green Cards)
These immigrant visa options allow self-petition based on your extraordinary ability or national interest.
Which Visa Is Right for You?
At Visa Immigration Pro, we help founders choose the best visa pathway based on your goals, business stage, and investor strategy.
📞 Schedule a 1-on-1 strategy call today and take the next step toward raising U.S. capital legally.
Schedule a Call | 📩 [email protected] | 🌐 www.visaimmigrationpro.com
