USCIS Issues “Clarifications” for Entrepreneur Immigrants: Self-sponsored H-1B and EB-2 NIW May be Possible, EB-5 Streamlined

USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas just announced a number of initiatives intended to boost the ability of immigrant entrepreneurs to obtain immigrant benefits for themselves, as part of the Obama administration’s goal to boost hiring and jobs. Director Mayorkas has announced a number of initiatives and “clarifications” of existing temporary and permanent work visas which should make it easier for entrepreneurs to remain in the U.S.

The Problem Immigrant Entrepreneurs Face

A number of foreign national entrepreneurs face significant difficulties in obtaining permission to work and engage in the kind of entrepreneurship and job creation the economy needs.   Currently, the H-1B temporary work visa program is off-limits to many individual entrepreneurs, as a result of the January 8, 2010 Neufeld Memorandum which required each H-1B work visa petition to show that the petitioning employer has the right to control, including to hire and fire, the foreign national employee.   Most often entrepreneurs are the owners or have a controlling interest over a company, and the right to control in many cases cannot be shown.   Effectively, the Neufeld Memorandum prohibited H-1B self-sponsorship for foreign entrepreneurs.   For background, please see our prior articles relating to the Neufeld Memorandum.

Similarly, the permanent work visa program (or green card) limits the ability of foreign entrepreneurs to obtain benefits due to the lack of employer-employee relationship in many cases.    Other than the EB-5 category (see more below), in most cases, immigrant entrepreneurs must have a U.S. sponsor employer which can provide the employer-employee relationship, in a way discussed above.    Due to the fact that the EB-5 green card category requires an investment of $1 million, among other requirements, few foreign entrepreneurs qualify for it, at least at the initial stage of their endeavors.

Finally, the EB-5 category, as discussed above, has qualifying requirements and processing procedures which are not suitable for many small businesses.   The EB-5 category, in addition to having relatively high capital requirements, takes a long time.   Entrepreneurs who have the capital and decide to apply must go through several months of paperwork to find out whether their permanent residency visa is approved.   This uncertainty, and the possible inability to engage in employment in the U.S. during this time, make the EB-5 option difficult for many.

USCIS Clarifications:  H-1B Self-Sponsorship Possible With Specific Corporate Governance Structure

As a result of increased criticism and hoping to spur job creation and growth, USCIS has clarified the rules with respect to H-1B temporary work visas for the benefit of foreign entrepreneurs.   An H-1B petition would still have to show the employer-employee relationship between the sponsor entity and the entrepreneur; but in cases where the foreign entrepreneur is also an owner, USCIS has clarified that this can be done by structuring the company’s corporate governance in a way to allow a board (or similar entity) to exercise control over the entrepreneur (and employee).    For example, if there is a board of directors (or a committee of the board) which has the right to control (including to hire and fire) the entrepreneur-employee, then USCIS, under the new clarification, should deem that the right to control has been established.

USCIS has provided a “Frequently Asked Questions” document which seeks to provide additional information and answers to common questions.    It makes clear, however, that the Neufeld Memorandum remains unaffected.

USCIS Clarifications:  EB-2 NIW Self-Sponsorship Possible When Job Creation/Growth Can be Shown

Additionally, with respect to self-sponsored EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) permanent visa category, the government has clarified that a foreign entrepreneur may qualify for a self-sponsored EB-2 NIW category if he/she can show that the business enterprise would benefit the national interest of the United States.

The EB-2 visa classification includes foreign workers with advanced degrees and individuals of exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business. Generally, an EB-2 visa petition requires a job offer and a Department of Labor certification. These requirements can be waived under existing law if the petitioner demonstrates that approval of the EB-2 visa petition would be in the national interest of the United States.

Prior to the current clarification, the EB-2 NIW category was used most often by professionals whose work can be shown to benefit the U.S. by providing a specific benefit or service.    Now, USCIS has clarified that job creation and economic growth, either direct or indirect, could be considered to be in the U.S. national interest and could allow foreign entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency under the EB-2 NIW category.

USCIS has published a “Frequently Asked Questions” document on its website clarifying this new approach.  USCIS has indicated that they will complement these FAQs with internal training on the unique characteristics of entrepreneurial enterprises and startup companies.

Changes to Streamline the EB-5 Investor Green Card Program

The EB-5 immigrant investor program is also being further enhanced by transforming the intake and review process. In May, USCIS proposed a number of changes to streamline the EB-5 process which include: extending the availability of premium processing for certain EB-5 applications and petitions, implementing direct lines of communication between the applicants and USCIS, and providing applicants with the opportunity for an interview before a USCIS panel of experts to resolve outstanding issues in an application.   USCIS is developing a phased plan to roll out these enhancements and is poised to begin implementing the first of these enhancements within 30 days.   Hopefully, this would provide the kind of fast processing and additional certainty about the process many foreign investor entrepreneurs need.

Premium Processing to Expand to Include EB-1 Multinational Executives and Managers

Additionally, USCIS has announced that it intends to reinstate the premium processing option for EB-1 I-140 petitions filed on behalf of multinational executives and managers.    A processing time of 15 calendar days under the premium processing option would address a frequent concern by foreign managers and executives that it may simply take too long for them to be able to join a business operation in the U.S.  The USCIS announcement is unclear on the effective date of this change, but we will monitor the availability of this option and provide an update.

Conclusion

We welcome USCIS Director Mayorkas’s announcements and welcome the “clarifications” and changes he has just announced.   At the same time, we realize that these “clarifications” must be properly communicated to the field officers and adjudicators so that when a properly prepared self-sponsorship H-1B or EB-2 NIW petition is filed, it is given the due benefit under the new guidance.   Our office will be monitoring new developments on this topic and we would be providing relevant updates on our website and via our weekly newsletter.  In the meantime, please do not hesitate to consult us if we can be of any assistance.