Business, Employment & Investment Visas and Petitions

In light of global security concerns, various new procedures and prerequisites for obtaining visas, business, and investment licenses have been implemented by countries around the world. Correctly completing required forms and putting the right supporting documentation together are critical components in all petition and application processes. The below illustrate general visa categories that can be found in the laws of China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, USA, Canada, European countries, Middle East and African Venues.

  1. Business Visitor: The visitor visa for business is the most common category for persons commencing business activity not involving gainful employment; or for persons attending trade shows or conventions.
  2. Intra-company Transfer: Intra-company Transfer visas are available to Intra-company Transferees who have been employed outside of the host country for at least one of the prior three years as an executive, manager or employee with specialized knowledge; or transfers for a new start-up.
  3. Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor: The “treaty trader” visa is available for individuals involved in “substantial trade” between the host country and their home country. Similarly, the “treaty investor” category requires a “substantial investment” in a business enterprise in the host country. “Substantiality” is assessed in regard to the size and type of business in question.
  4. Extraordinary Ability: This visa is for aliens of “extraordinary” ability in the sciences, business, education, arts or athletics. The fundamental requirement for this classification is extraordinary ability or achievements in the field for which the alien seeks admittance into the host country.
  5. Athletes and Entertainers: This visa covers aliens who perform as part of an entertainment group or as athletes who perform at an “internationally recognized level of performance.”
  6. Specialty/Skilled Worker: This visa is for skilled/professional workers who want to be employed by a host country company. The basic requirements are that the applicant must have at least a qualifying. Bachelors degree or the equivalent.
  7. Students: These visas are for students qualified to attend full-time studies at colleges, universities, academic high schools, vocational schools, and language-training programs in the host country. The student must be accepted for a qualifying course of study.
  8. Exchange Visitor: This visa is an exchange visitor program for foreign nationals participating in designated programs as a student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, specialist, or leader in a field of specialized knowledge or skill.
  9. Tourist Visitor: The visitor visa for pleasure is intended for those coming as temporary tourists to the host country. The visa is issued upon the merits of the alien applying. This visa allows an individual to come to the host country for the purpose of tourism, social visits, health purposes seeking medical treatment, and other temporary visits. The visa may not be used by visitors for gainful employment

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