I got the EB-1A. Can I start a business in a different field in the US?

Yes, you can. The EB-1A grants you the green card, and as a permanent resident you have the freedom to live, work, and run a business in the United States. That freedom is not tied to the field that supported your visa: you can open a business in a different industry without that alone jeopardizing your status.

The EB-1A green card is obtained through your extraordinary ability, but once granted it gives you the same economic rights as any permanent resident. A researcher can open a restaurant, an artist can launch a technology company, and so on.

• You can be a partner, founder, or investor in virtually any sector.
• The new business does not need to relate to your EB-1A field.
• The obligations are the standard business ones: registration, licenses, and taxes.

What does change are the rules governing the business itself, which vary depending on the activity and location: business registration, licenses, taxes, and other state or local requirements. And, as always, it is worth taking care of the maintenance of your resident status, such as your time spent in the country.

If your plans involve more complex structures, it is worth checking the updated rules with official sources and speaking with an immigration specialist and an accountant before launching the company.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.