Doing Business on H-1B

[asheshsj]

Hi All,

I have some questions regarding owning a business while being on H-1B. I know some of my questions may have been answered already on this forum, but I couldn't find it. Anyway here goes

1. Can you be owning a 50% stake in a company on H-1B Visa? I am actually starting a new company with an American Citizen on a 50-50 basis

2. Can I transfer my Visa from my current employer to this new company?

3. If yes, This company being a brand new entity would not have any tax returns, revenue, cash flow etc. Although we anticipate a good amount of revenue in the first year. Can I still do a transfer or would USCIS be asking proof of revenue to support my H-1B salary?

4. Finally, If both #1, #2 and #3 are all possible and I successfully get my H-1B transferred. How long do I need to wait before which I can start my Green Card process through this new company?

Hope some of you can help me with these questions.

Thanks in advance,
Ashesh

[txh1b]

1. Yes. You should not be a working partner but can be an investment partner.
2. Not a safe bet.
3. Possible. Safe not to be an employee of the company that you own a stake in on H1b.
4. The usual wait time if you worked for any other company. No difference.