Can I open a sole proprietorship consulting business?

Technically, yes. Opening a sole proprietorship consulting business is one of the simplest and most straightforward ways to operate a business in the United States. Nothing about that structure, on its own, prevents an investor from choosing it.

The key considerations are legal and tax-related: a sole proprietorship does not separate personal and business assets, which can increase your exposure to debts or legal claims. Each business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) carries different implications for liability and taxation.

For those with an EB-5, there is an additional layer to consider: the activity must not conflict with the visa’s conditions. The program requires that the investment underlying the petition be directed toward an enterprise that creates the required jobs. A parallel sole proprietorship consulting business is possible, as long as it does not undermine or jeopardize that original investment.

Because the best structure depends on your specific situation and its relationship to your EB-5 investment, consult a specialist in immigration and business law and confirm the applicable rules through the official source (USCIS).

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.