“For the L-visa, all that matters is the money made it to the U.S., whether it’s from your tío or the company’s piggy bank.”

Is Your L-Visa Adventure Missing the Right Map?

So, meet Javier—a guy who's eyeing the American dream but with a little extra spice. He’s got his suitcase packed, not with clothes, but with cash, ready to dive into the U.S. business scene. The best part? No one’s really going to ask where that money came from. It could be a gift from his generous tío, a stash from his offshore accounts, or just what he scraped together from his own business back home. For the L-visa, all that matters is the money made it to the U.S.

Now, here’s the kicker. If Javier is looking to stroll into America waving his L-visa, he better have more than just five employees in his original company. Less than that? Immigration might give him the side-eye, thinking, "Really, only five?" So, he’s got to stack up his team, not just with any employees, but with top-notch managers who know their stuff.

Once in the U.S., it’s the same game. Want a green card? Better bump that employee count to eight and make sure they’re not just flipping burgers. Javier needs pros, the kind of folks with degrees and fancy titles. A well-built management structure is key—think of it as a company pyramid where Javier sits at the top, managing the managers.

And what if Javier just wants to hop across the border to buy a business? Easy. A B-1 visa will do the trick, but honestly, he could even slide in on a tourist visa, scout out some opportunities, and make his move a few months later. No need to sweat the small stuff. Just don’t go blurting out, “I’m here to buy a business” at customs if you’re only on a tourist visa. That might raise a few eyebrows.

But wait—Javier closes the deal, and now what? Should he jet back home to get that shiny new visa stamped? Well, that depends on his plans. He can either leave and handle the paperwork at the consulate or stay put and apply for a status change after a few months. The latter lets him keep one foot in the States while getting everything sorted.

Checklist of Main Ideas:

• Source of funds for L-visa isn't scrutinized; focus on bringing money to the U.S.

• A minimum of five employees is crucial for L-visa eligibility, eight for a green card.

• Employees should include professionals and managers, not just entry-level staff.

• A B-1 visa is suitable for business acquisition; tourist visas can work too with caution.

• Post-purchase visa processing can be done either abroad or within the U.S.

For more questions about buying a business call us +1 (561) 867-7697