Can I run an online business that hires remote workers?

Yes. In principle, there is no barrier to an investor maintaining an online business under EB-5. A digital model with remote hires can fit within the program.

The central requirement remains the creation of direct jobs for U.S. workers, at the minimum number the program requires. For this reason, remote positions must be genuinely filled by people who work in the United States and who help satisfy that requirement.

A venture that hires predominantly outside the United States will likely have difficulty showing that the jobs created qualify under the program’s criteria. The business structure, even if virtual, must also comply with applicable immigration, commercial, and tax rules.

It is therefore important to present a robust business plan that demonstrates how the investment generates and sustains those jobs. Before moving forward, review the latest USCIS guidance and assess your model with a qualified specialist.

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.