USCIS Director Welcomes Enterpreneurs and Skilled Workers

USCIS Director, Alejandro Mayorkas: Encouraging Enterpreneurs and High Skilled Workers to Bolster the U.S. Economy and Spur Job Growth.

On his blog dated Aug 2, 2011, Mr. Mayorkas, USCIS Director and a Cuban-born attorney said the United States has a long, rich history of welcoming innovative entrepreneurs and skilled workers into our country. 

These men and women fuel our nation’s economy by creating jobs, and promoting new technologies and ideas.

As part of the Administration’s comprehensive effort to attract and retain high-skill entrepreneurs, USCIS announced today that it will:

1. Clarify that immigrant entrepreneurs may obtain an employment-based second preference (EB-2) immigrant visa if they satisfy the existing requirements, and also may qualify for a National Interest Waiver under the EB-2 immigrant visa category if they can demonstrate that their business endeavors will be in the interest of the United States;

2. Expand the Premium Processing Service to immigrant petitions for multinational executives and managers;

3. Clarify when a sole employee-entrepreneur can establish a valid employer-employee relationship for the purposes of qualifying for an H-1B non-immigrant visa;

4. Implement fundamental enhancements to streamline the EB-5 process based directly on stakeholder feedback;

5. Launch new engagement opportunities to seek input and feedback on how to address the unique circumstances of entrepreneurs, new businesses and startup companies.