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For years, ambitious entrepreneurs around the world have dreamed of launching and expanding their businesses in the United States. Now, that dream is more accessible than ever. The U.S. has opened the doors wider, offering exclusive immigration pathways for entrepreneurs to sponsor themselves for an O-1 or H-1B visa. These new options are a game-changer, allowing innovators, industry disruptors, and startup founders to bring their talents and ideas to the U.S. on their own terms.
If you’re an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking business idea or an expert in your field, this could be your moment. The U.S. isn’t just welcoming talent—it’s rolling out the red carpet for you.
O-1 Visa: For the Best of the Best
The O-1 visa has long been reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in business, science, education, athletics, or the arts. Traditionally, securing this visa required an established U.S. company or sponsor. But now, entrepreneurs can petition for themselves using their own U.S.-based companies!
What Makes You Eligible?
To qualify for an O-1, you must prove you are at the top of your field. This means demonstrating national or international recognition through awards, media coverage, leadership roles, or industry contributions. Entrepreneurs can meet these criteria by:
Having a track record of major business achievements (e.g., securing venture capital, scaling successful startups, or pioneering industry innovations).
Being featured in major business publications or media (Forbes, TechCrunch, The Wall Street Journal—yes, those count!).
Holding key leadership positions in distinguished organizations (your own successful company included).
Receiving industry awards or recognition (think “Best Startup Founder,” “Top 30 Under 30,” or major innovation prizes).
How Can Entrepreneurs Self-Sponsor?
Your U.S. business entity can act as your petitioner! This means:
You incorporate a legitimate U.S. company (LLC, Corp).
You establish an employer-employee relationship (for example, by setting up a board of directors that has the authority to oversee your role).
Your business submits an O-1 petition on your behalf, proving that it requires your extraordinary expertise.
This is a breakthrough—previously, many entrepreneurs were forced to rely on outside sponsorship. Now, you control your own immigration destiny.
Make sure to work with an immigration attorney on your O-1 visa petition.
H-1B Visa: The Entrepreneur’s Work Visa is Now in Your Hands
If you’re a highly skilled entrepreneur with specialized expertise, the H-1B visa is now a more viable self-sponsorship route than ever before. The recent modernization of H-1B rules allows startup founders to sponsor themselves through their own companies—something that was historically difficult.
What You Need to Qualify
The H-1B visa is designed for roles that require:
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a specialized field (business, engineering, IT, finance, etc.).
A job offer from a U.S. company (which, as an entrepreneur, can now be your company).
A valid employer-employee relationship (your company must be structured so it can “hire” you, meaning you can’t be the sole decision-maker in your employment status).
The New H-1B Self-Sponsorship Pathway for Entrepreneurs
Previously, entrepreneurs had difficulty using the H-1B because they owned their businesses. But the new rules allow you to structure your company in a way that meets H-1B requirements.
Set up a governing body (e.g., a board of directors) that can oversee your employment.
Demonstrate that your business needs you as a specialized worker.
Ensure your salary meets prevailing wage standards for your role.
Bonus: The H-1B is a dual intent visa, meaning it can lead to a green card, making it a long-term solution for entrepreneurs wanting permanent U.S. residence.
Make sure to work with an immigration attorney on your H-1B visa petition.
Why This Matters: The U.S. is Courting Global Talent Like Never Before
These self-sponsorship pathways are part of a strategic shift in U.S. immigration policy. The government recognizes that the next Google, Tesla, or Airbnb might be founded by a global entrepreneur—and they don’t want to lose that talent to other countries.
By allowing founders to sponsor themselves through O-1 and H-1B visas, the U.S. is making a bold statement:
“If you’re an entrepreneur with talent, vision, and the drive to build something extraordinary, we want you here.”
Final Thoughts: Is This Your Moment?
These exclusive new pathways put the power in the hands of entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators like you. Instead of waiting for a sponsor, you can take charge of your U.S. immigration process—on your own terms.
However, securing approval for an O-1 or H-1B petition is not just about meeting the visa criteria. First, we strongly suggest working with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure your petition meets all legal requirements and is structured for success. Having the right legal guidance can make a significant difference in your approval chances.
Second, you must present a solid and credible business plan that clearly demonstrates your role in the company, the need for your expertise, and your business’s potential for success. The government will scrutinize your petition, and without a strong business plan, your case may not hold up.
That’s where we come in. We specialize in crafting thorough, realistic, and strategic business plans that support visa petitions and ensure compliance with immigration requirements. Our experience helps entrepreneurs like you secure approvals by presenting a compelling case for why you—and your business—belong in the U.S.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact us today to get a rock-solid business plan that strengthens your petition and helps you take full advantage of these groundbreaking visa opportunities.
Contact us today to get started
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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