Complete Guide to US Immigration Options for Filipinos

For Filipino Entrepreneurs, Investors and Workers there are several ways to immigrate to the United States.

1. Opening a Business in the United States

Opening a business in the United States is surprisingly inexpensive and easy.

Incorporating a business in the US can take as little as a couple of hours.

To run a business well in America, you must know and obey US laws at the federal, state, and local levels.

FFilipino applicants opening a business in the US commonly move to the US and work in those businesses using:

E-1 treaty trader visa

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

O-1 Outstanding worker visa

L-1 Intercompany Transfer Visa

Of these options the E2 visa is especially popular with Filipinos starting new businesses in the United States.

Filipino entrepreneurs and businesses can use the E2 treaty investor visa because of the Philippines' treaty with the US. An E2 visa allows a Filipino National to open a business in the United States.

Often the E2 visa is most aptly suited to Filipinos starting businesses in the United States.

Even minuscule businesses can qualify for the E2 investor visa.

Small businesses like grocery stores, coffee shops, nail spas, photography services, and yoga studios, among others.

2. Expanding a Business in the United States

Many Filipino firms already have a business in the United States. Often, businesses can expand by transferring employees to the United States. This is the purpose of the L-1 intercompany transfer visa.

Two kinds of L-1 visa exist.

1. the L-1a inter-company transfer visa for managers and executives
2. the L1-B intra-company transfer visa for specialist workers.

Both L1a and L1b visas let applicants move to the US for up to 7 or 5 years.

More information on the L1 visa is available by clicking on the links above.

3. Investing in a US Business

The EB5 visa allows Filipinos to invest in a US business and receive a US immigration benefit. This visa is also available alongside the E2 investor visa.

The EB5 visa is different to the E2 visa in that it leads to a “green card” or permanent residency in the United States. The business requires an investment of either USD 800,000 or USD 1,050,000, depending upon its location.

The investor can make the investment either in their own business or in a business owned by another firm or entity.

4. Highly Talented Workers

Many skilled Filipino workers, such as doctors, nurses, scientists, have migrated to the United States in the past.

The O-1 visa lets highly skilled Filipinos live and work in the US as non-immigrants. The EB1A visa allows highly skilled individuals to obtain a green card or Permanent Residency in the US.

This is possible if they can provide evidence of their extraordinary ability.

5. Filipino Families

Many Filipinos in the US apply for family-based visas to live there. This is not surprising because there is a large number of Filipinos residing in the country.

These visas include:

• K-1 Fiancé Visa
• I-130 Petition for Immediate Relatives

DAVIES & ASSOCIATES - US IMMIGRATION MANILA OFFICE

With our presence in Metro Manila (National Capital Region), through our competent and reliable partners - Belgica Aranas Alim Dela Cruz & Associates, we can make your vision to penetrate the U.S. market a reality in the most convenient and efficient way possible.

We are located in Mandaluyong, which enables us to serve all cities in Metro Manila. These cities include Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela. We are also fairly accessible for clients coming from the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Batangas.

Our specific location is: 54 Domingo M. Guevara, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila (National Capital Region), Philippines.

We can easily talk to our clients in the Philippines using the best and fastest method. Our worldwide locations and technologies benefit both us and our clients.

You may contact us for more information.