The U.S. Visa Process for Entrepreneurs: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always dreamed of moving to the U.S. to grow my business and explore the amazing opportunities this country has to offer. But the process wasn’t as straightforward as I thought it would be. There are so many different visas, requirements, and even myths around what’s actually needed to make the move. When I first started my research, I thought I would need an E-2 visa. But after diving deeper, I discovered a better option for me—one I wish I knew about earlier.

Here’s what I learned, and hopefully it helps you figure out your path to the U.S. too!

The Visa I Thought I Needed: E-2

The E-2 visa is pretty common among entrepreneurs. It’s often the go-to choice if you want to invest in your own company in the U.S. and stay there for the long term. But there’s a catch: you need to make a significant investment. This means pumping a substantial amount of money into a business that you’re running on U.S. soil.

For a long time, I thought this was my only way to get to the U.S. as an entrepreneur. It made me feel like I had to put in all my savings or find an investor, which felt risky and honestly a bit overwhelming. Then, in 2022, when I finally started my visa application process, I learned about a different option that completely changed my plans.

The Visa I Ended Up Applying For: O-1A

So, what’s the O-1A visa, and why did I choose it?

The O-1A visa is often called the “extraordinary ability” visa. It’s meant for people who have outstanding achievements in their field. I always thought of it as more of an “artist’s” visa or something for celebrities and athletes, but that’s not exactly true. This visa can also be used by business owners and entrepreneurs who have accomplished something special in their industry.

When I heard about this, I realized that with my background in the sexual wellness industry, I could actually qualify for it. I had spent years building companies, speaking at conferences, and publishing content, all of which made me a strong candidate. This visa didn’t require me to make a big investment like the E-2. Instead, it recognized my achievements and what I brought to the table.

The process itself took some time, but in the end, I found that the O-1A was much better suited for my situation. It allowed me to move to the U.S. without having to worry about pumping in a bunch of capital that I may not have readily available.

What I Wish I Knew Earlier

1. Research All Your Options Before Committing: When I first looked into U.S. visas, I didn’t even know the O-1A existed. The E-2 seemed like the most logical choice for an entrepreneur, but it’s not the only one. Take your time to explore all the different options. There’s the L-1 (for company transfers), the EB-5 (investment-based green card), and many others depending on your situation. If I had known about the O-1A earlier, I would’ve saved myself a lot of time and stress.
2. It’s Not Just About Money: You don’t necessarily have to pour your life savings into a business to get to the U.S. While the E-2 visa is all about investment, the O-1A looks at your abilities, skills, and achievements. If you’ve done significant work in your field, it might be a better fit.
3. The Timeline Can Be Tricky: Even though I thought I was super prepared, the visa process still took me over a year. This wasn’t just due to gathering documents and filling out forms, but also waiting for responses and dealing with unexpected hurdles. Things can get delayed, so plan ahead and don’t expect things to move super quickly.
4. Labeling Visas Is Misleading: I always thought the O-1A was for artists or athletes, and that’s a mistake a lot of people make. Don’t get caught up in labels—read the fine print and see what each visa actually requires. You may be surprised to find out that you qualify for something you never even considered.
5. Having Help Really, Really Matters: I don’t think I would’ve gotten through the process without help. I worked with an immigration attorney who guided me through every step. Yes, it’s an investment, but the process is complicated and changes all the time. Having someone who knows the system inside out made a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Moving to the U.S. as an entrepreneur isn’t just about having a great business idea. It’s about navigating the complex visa system, finding the right fit for you, and planning way ahead. If you’re dreaming about making the move, take your time to research and consider your options carefully. And if you’re like me and thought you needed one type of visa but ended up finding another one that fit better, that’s completely normal. The system can be confusing, but with some persistence, you’ll figure it out.

I hope sharing my experience helps you feel more confident and less overwhelmed in starting your journey to the U.S. If I could give you one piece of advice, it’s this: Don’t be afraid to ask for help and explore every option, even the ones that seem like they’re not meant for you.

Good luck, and see you on the other side!