Guide
A Guide to US Startup Visas for Founders
Immigration
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Key takeaways
- Nowhere else provides a better environment for startups than the US. You can benefit from the country’s diverse market, abundant funding opportunities, and highly skilled workforce.
- Foreign startup founders have multiple routes into the country through visa categories such as the O-1A, E2, and EB-2 NIW.
- Partnering with a leading US immigration service like Deel can help you navigate the complex application process. We handle paperwork, business plans, and deadlines so you can focus on setting up your business.
Who will benefit from this guide?
If you’re hoping to move to the US and start a business, our guide is for you.
Relocating overseas may seem like an impossible task. Our guide gives you a list of reasons why it’s not only feasible but also the best move for your startup. We also show you how the US encourages and supports foreign nationals with promising business ventures, especially if they lead to more job opportunities.
Perhaps you’ve already researched the visa process and felt overwhelmed by the process. All the mentions of employment-based sponsorship and capital investments online can be daunting. Our guide breaks the application into smaller manageable tasks, compares your options, and answers your frequently asked questions.
Readers can also discover how an immigration service like Deel can fast-track the visa process and reduce any stress and uncertainty. You’ll explore how relocating to the US becomes easier with our resources and expertise at your disposal. As we cover a range of visa options, you’ll see how we can support you on your journey from your home country to becoming an employee, business owner, or even a permanent resident in the US.
What's included
- The benefits of establishing your startup in the United States
- Which immigrant visas and Green Card options are the most ideal for startup founders
- A look at the visa application process for startups, including eligibility requirements, supporting documents, filing fees, and more
FAQs
What is the best visa option for tech startup founders moving to the US?
There isn’t a single “best” option for every founder. The right US visa depends on your nationality, company structure, funding stage, and long-term plans.
Some founders qualify for founder-friendly visas like the O-1A or E-2, while others use alternative pathways depending on how their startup is structured and where they’re expanding from.
This guide breaks down the most common US visa options for tech founders and helps you understand which paths are realistic for your startup and stage.
Which US visas actually let founders run their own startup?
Not all US visas allow founders to actively operate and lead their company. Some limit decision-making authority or require specific employer relationships.
Inside the guide, we outline which visas support hands-on founders and which are better suited for passive involvement — so you don’t pursue a path that restricts how you run your business.
Can startup founders move to the US without raising venture capital first?
Many founders assume they need VC backing to qualify for a US visa — but that isn’t always the case.
This guide explains which visa options may be viable before fundraising and how founders at different stages approach US relocation.
Do startup founders need a US employer or sponsor?
Some visas require a US employer or agent, while others allow founders to structure sponsorship through their own company.
The guide walks through how founders typically set up their sponsorship and what USCIS looks for in founder-led cases.
How long does it usually take for a startup founder to get a US visa?
Timelines vary widely depending on the visa type, application route, and country of origin.
This guide compares typical processing timelines for founder-friendly visas and highlights which paths tend to move faster.
Can startup founders bring their family when relocating to the US?
Many US visa options allow founders to relocate with spouses and children, sometimes with work authorization for dependents.
The guide explains which founder visas offer family benefits and what to expect when planning a move together.
What’s the easiest US visa path for startup founders?
“Easiest” depends on what you value most — speed, flexibility, or long-term stability.
This guide helps founders compare visa options based on real-world trade-offs, not just eligibility rules.