How to Start a Business Immigration Case in Florida

Starting a business immigration case in Florida can feel like navigating tons of forms, requirements, and legal terms. So, if you're an entrepreneur, investor, or highly skilled professional who wants to work in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, or any other city in Florida, having the right approach and the right attorney can make the difference. 

Working with an experienced business immigration lawyer in Florida, like Wayne Gill of Gill Law Firm, can help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and set you on the right path to secure your business visa.

Follow these steps to start a business immigration case in Florida.

1. Identify Your Immigration Goals

Your first step is to be clear about your objective. Are you looking to:

• Start or expand a business in the United States?

• Invest in a U.S. enterprise?

• Relocate your current business to Florida?

• Work for your own company or an affiliated branch in the U.S.?

Each goal may point you toward a different visa category, so clarity here is essential to start your business immigration case in Florida.

2. Choose the Right Visa

There’s no one-size-fits-all visa for business immigration, but here are some common options that could take your professional career to the U.S.:

• O-1 visa:  The O-1 Visa for Business lets top professionals live and work in the U.S., with options to renew the visa multiple times. This visa is perfect for startup founders, executives, researchers, and innovators who’ve made a big impact in their industry.

• EB-1A visa: The EB-1A Green Card is for professionals at the very top of their field. It is designed for those who have achieved national or international recognition through significant awards, publications, media recognition, or other distinguished accomplishments.

• EB-2 NIW: The EB-2 National Interest Waiver is for professionals whose work has significant value to the U.S. in areas like business technology, sustainability, or innovation.

• EB-5 visa: The EB-5 visa is for investors who make a qualifying investment in a U.S. business and create jobs for American workers. This investment should be around $1,050,000 or $800,000, depending on the location of the investment.

• L-1 Visa: This visa is most common for people working for a transnational company. Executives or managers can transfer from a foreign office to a U.S. branch or affiliate.

An experienced business immigration attorney will evaluate your background, goals, and resources to recommend the best option.

3. Gather Strong Supporting Evidence

Each one of these visas has its own criteria to evaluate a candidate, but for most business immigration cases, you’ll need to meet requirements such as:

• Critical roles in organizations

• Original or significant contributions to your field of expertise 

• Business plans and market analyses

• Proof of investment funds or business ownership

• Contracts, invoices, and client lists

• Evidence of awards, publications, or recognition

• High salary or compensation

If you want to learn more about the specific criteria for the O-1 visa for business or the EB-1A Green Card, check out the list of requirements you need to meet. Heads up: You just need to prove 3 out of 10 criteria to be eligible.

4. Work with an Experienced Attorney from the Start

Immigration law is highly detailed and constantly changing, and business immigration cases in Florida often involve both legal and business strategy. Partnering with an attorney like Wayne Gill means having a legal advisor who understands both worlds.

Gill Law Firm offers strategic guidance, meticulous preparation of petitions, and personalized representation for business immigration in Florida. So, whether you’re pursuing an O-1, EB-1A, EB-2, EB-5, or L-1 visa, their experience can make the difference between approval and denial.

5. Submit Your Petition and Monitor Your Case

Once your petition is ready, your attorney will file it with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and track its progress. They will also respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) to keep your case moving forward.

Don’t forget to have these documents ready for your case:

• Passport: Always required to prove identity and nationality.

• Form I-797 (Approval Notice): You’ll always get some form of I-797 from USCIS once your petition is approved, whether it’s I-129, I-140, or I-526E.

• Visa Appointment Confirmation: Required if you’re applying for your visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.

• Receipt of Visa Fee Payment: Always needed for the visa interview stage.

6. Plan for Your Move and Compliance

After approval, your attorney will guide you through the next steps, whether that’s obtaining your visa from a U.S. consulate, relocating to Florida, or ensuring your business meets ongoing immigration requirements.

Start a Business Immigration Case In Florida Shouldn't be an Issue

Your business immigration case it’s about strategy, timing, and presenting the strongest possible case. Working with a business immigration lawyer in Florida, like Wayne Gill ensures you have an advocate who understands both the legal complexities and the business realities.

If you’re ready to start your case, contact Gill Law Firm today and take the first step toward building your professional future in the United States.