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When a foreign investor starts a business in the United States, the goal is growth. And to grow in one of the most competitive markets in the world, having an online presence is no longer optional. It’s expected. Immigration officers know this. In fact, it’s basic business logic.
If a company claims it’s ready to expand in the U.S. but has no website, no social media, and no digital footprint at all, that raises eyebrows. In today’s market, it’s almost unheard of for a serious business to operate without some kind of online visibility.
Why Online Presence Matters
The numbers speak for themselves. Around 76% of consumers search online before visiting a business. On top of that, 75% of people decide whether a business is trustworthy based on its website.
So when a company has no online presence, it doesn’t just look unusual, it looks outdated, unprofessional, or even untrustworthy. And that perception can be enough to make immigration officers question how serious the business really is.
Officers Look for Signs of Credibility
Immigration officers have limited time to review each case. They don’t just rely on what’s written in a business plan. The U.S. government has openly stated that officers conduct online searches to verify business information, including reviewing company websites, social media profiles, and other public records.
A quick Google search or a visit to the company’s website is often one of the first steps they take. If what they find looks professional and aligns with the business plan, it reinforces the credibility of the case. If they find nothing—or information that doesn’t match—it can create doubt and weaken the application.
What a Strong Online Presence Should Look Like
No one is saying you need an expensive marketing campaign. But a clean, professional website that clearly communicates what the company does goes a long way. A basic online footprint tells the officer that the business is real, active, and taking steps to grow in the U.S. market.
At minimum, companies should consider:
A simple, professional website with clear business information
Basic social media profiles, even if not heavily used
A Google Business listing or local search presence if relevant
A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference
In business immigration cases, perception matters. A professional online presence can’t guarantee a visa approval, but it can strengthen your case by showing that your business is legitimate and growth-minded.
Immigration officers see hundreds of cases, and companies that look polished and credible stand out. For foreign investors, a website isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s part of the evidence that their business is real and ready to operate in the U.S.
If you need help building a strong online presence, we can connect you with our preferred provider of immigration-focused websites. Reach out to us to get started.
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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