Starting pointers sought... independent developer looking to go to USA

[DaveMore 0]

To say I know little of US work visa is probably an overstatement, so I'm helpful for beginner's pointers. I'm a German currently living in China (Skype-calling the US embassy for Visa info didn't work for me for now).

Background: I'm looking to move into the US with my wife (Chinese) and my son (German); myself I'm an independent games/ apps & web site developer/ designer and also wrote a book. My income is actually from the US due to things like eBay commissions, AdSense revenue, Apple Inc app payments and so on. My wife wants to work as an architect. I've been programming for 16 years, and want to continue to work independently on apps and such. Where would I get started for a work visa, or what type of visa it is that I/ we need?

Thanks so much for any help!

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

There isn't really a visa for your case. Your best options would be:

- An investors visa- start your own US based company, must invest at least $500'000.

- A H1B visa; get sponsorship/ employment from a US based company (Maybe try Apple?), based on your experience.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Here are links to types of temporary work visas http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1275.html

and here are sponsored immigrant visas (except the investor visa also listed on this page) http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1323.html.

Good luck.

[Darnell 8,478]

I would suggest to you, strongly, that moving to USA would be a waste of yer time, and instead - focus on (pick one, after you've studied a bit)

--immigrating to New Zealand

--immigrating to Australia

--moving to Malaysia on an entrepreneur visa

--moving to Singapura on a Business Visa

[DaveMore 0]

I wanted to say thanks to you three for the helpful advice!

[Harsh_77 718]

I would go with Dave's advice, what Penguin said is partially correct here is more detail on the same.

http://ramosimmigrationlaw.com/en/permanent-residence-through-employment-or-investment/permanent-residence-through-employment-or-investment

look for EB5 on there.

you only have 2 option either H1B, where some employer has to hire you or EB2 invest anywhere between $500,000 - $1,000,000 and create significant employment for USC.

Which you will have to keep this business afloat for atleast 2 years and it is monitored.