Business has become truly global.  US immigration law has long recognized that business across borders is good business.

At the HMA Law Firm we devote the bulk of our business immigration practice to startup and small businesses.

Dealing with smaller companies in the business immigration world has its own special challenges.  In the case of an E-1 treaty trader, the volume of trade must be "substantial." For the E-2 treaty investor, the investment must not be "marginal" and the size of the investment must be "substantial." An L-1 intracompany transferee must show a qualifying relationship as a subsidiary, affiliate or the like, and also prove managerial/executive position or specialized knowledge. Issues such as the availability of other staff to perform non-qualifying functions, sufficiency of office space, tracing the source of the money for an investment, and the bona fide activity of the businesses can be challenging for startup and smaller businesses.  


It is important for your immigration lawyer to know your business, and also be able to anticipate what USCIS or a consular officer will expect.  Many times other business immigration options (H-1B, PERM labor certification, etc.) are not viable.   There may be other reasons why an E or an L visa are preferable to other statuses.

You may already know what visa you need.  Or you may need better guidance on how to choose.  Whatever the need, the immigration lawyers at the HMA Law Firm are ready to help.  Just fill out the form on the right, and an experienced business immigration lawyer will contact you within 1 business day or less.  You may also call the main office directly at (703) 964-0245.