Mark I. Davies, Esq., J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School, licensed by the SRA (SRA ID: 384468) in the UK, and a member of The Law Society of England & Wales, MBA, Wharton School of Business. Top 10 Investment Visa Lawyer. Licensed in the USA. Georgia State Bar member. AILA member.
Complete Guide to US Immigration Options for Filipinos
E1 VisaE-2 VisaL1 VisaEB-5 VisaDoing Business In the United StatesU.S. Embassy in Philippines
- Agriculture & Commodities Industry Practice
- Commercial Manufacturing & Production Industry Group
- Energy Practice Group
- Fashion Industry
- Information Technology
- Logistics & Warehousing Practice
- Retail Practice
- Startup & Emerging Business
- Mobile Application & Social Media
- India Practice Group
- Investors and Entrepreneurs
- Consulting & Service Oriented Businesses
- Visa Franchise Practice
- Mining
- Financial
- Medical Professionals
- Moving from Australia to US
- Emigrate to & from Canada
- Moving from Germany to US
- Grenada Citizenship by investment
- Moving from India to US
- Italian Citizenship & Residency
- Portuguese Residency By Investment
- Moving from Singapore to US
- Moving from Taiwan to US
- Turkish Citizenship
- Moving from United Kingdom to US
- Immigration to the United Kingdom
- Moving from Vietnam to US
For Filipino Entrepreneurs, Investors and Workers there are several ways to immigrate to the United States.
1. Opening a Business in the United States
Opening a business in the United States is relatively inexpensive and straightforward
(General U.S. business incorporation framework).
Incorporating a business in the US can take as little as a couple of hours.
To run a business well in America, you must know and obey US laws at the
federal, state, and local levels.
Filipino applicants opening a business in the U.S. commonly move to the U.S. and
work in those businesses using:
E-1 treaty trader visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
O-1 Outstanding worker visa
L-1 Intercompany Transfer Visa
Of these options the E-2 visa is especially popular with Filipinos starting new
businesses in the United States.
Filipino entrepreneurs and businesses can use the E-2 treaty investor visa because of the Philippines\’ treaty with the U.S.(INA § 101(a)(15)(E))
An E-2 visa allows a Filipino national to open and operate a business in the United States
(8 C.F.R. § 214.2(e)).
Often the E-2 visa is most aptly suited to Filipinos starting businesses in the
United States.
Even small businesses can qualify for the E-2 investor visa.
Small businesses like grocery stores, coffee shops, nail spas, photography
services, and yoga studios, among others.
2. Expanding a Business in the United States
Many Filipino firms already have a business in the United States. Often,
businesses can expand by transferring employees to the United States. This is
the purpose of the L-1 intercompany transfer visa (INA § 101(a)(15)(L)).
There are two types of L-1 visas.
- the L-1A intercompany transfer visa for managers and executives
- the L-1B intracompany transfer visa for specialized workers.
Both L1a and L1b visas let applicants move to the US for up to 7 or 5 years.
More information on the L1 visa is available by clicking on the links above.
3. Investing in a US Business
The
EB-5 visa
allows Filipinos to invest in a U.S. business and receive an immigration benefit. This visa is also available alongside the E-2 investor visa.
The EB-5 visa is different from the E-2 visa in that it leads to a “green card” or
permanent residency in the United States. The business requires an investment
of either USD 800,000 or USD 1,050,000, depending upon its location.
The investor can make the investment either in their own business or in a
business owned by another firm or entity.
4. Highly Talented Workers
Many skilled Filipino workers, such as doctors, nurses, scientists, have
migrated to the United States in the past.
The O-1 visa allows highly skilled Filipinos to live and work in the U.S. as non-immigrants
(INA § 101(a)(15)(O)).
The EB-1A visa allows highly skilled individuals to obtain a Green Card (permanent residency) in the U.S
(INA § 203(b)(1)(A)).
This is possible if they can provide evidence of their extraordinary ability.
5. Filipino Families
Many Filipinos in the U.S. apply for family-based visas to live there (INA § 201(b)). This is
not surprising because there is a large number of Filipinos residing in the
country.
These visas include:
DAVIES & ASSOCIATES - US IMMIGRATION MANILA OFFICE
With our presence in Metro Manila (National Capital Region), through our
competent and reliable partners - Belgica Aranas Alim Dela Cruz & Associates,
we can make your vision to penetrate the U.S. market a reality in the most
convenient and efficient way possible.
We are located in Mandaluyong, which enables us to serve all cities in Metro
Manila. These cities include Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Manila,
Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, and
Valenzuela. We are also fairly accessible for clients coming from the
surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Batangas.
Our specific location is:
54 Domingo M. Guevara, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila (National
Capital Region), Philippines.
We can easily talk to our clients in the Philippines using the best and
fastest method. Our worldwide locations and technologies benefit both us and
our clients.
You may
contact us
for more information.
About the Authors
Mark I. Davies, Esq.
Chairman of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.
Why make Davies & Associates Your US Visa Lawyers
Davies & Associates prides itself on the quality, experience and dedication of its lawyers. As a rapidly growing global immigration law firm, we strive to deliver the very best service and solutions available at all times to our clients worldwide.
We have knowledge and understanding of the local culture and sensitivities of Filipinos. In working with your case, we consider valuable insights from our Filipino partners to come up with the best visa solution and achieve your goals in the fastest and most efficient way possible.
Contact Davies & Associates Offices in Philippines
Check all of our locations around the world.
Company location
Manila Office
Unit 107, AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave. cor Garnet and Sapphire Streets, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, Metro Manila, Philippines
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Cebu Office
4th Floor, Tulips Center, AS Fortuna St., Mandaue City, Cebu 6014, Philippines
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Looking to acquire an US Visa from Philippines?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
US Visa from Philippines Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and very thorough in what they did. They worked on my case 24/7 and were very patient in answering all my questions.
E-2 Visa ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB-5 process.
EB-5 Visa ClientI would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E-2 visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you. With Davies & Associates, you're in safe hands... you need someone who can support you on the ground and, again, you are well taken care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite open-minded when it comes to business... Not to mention as a passport it's great from a travel perspective... It's just 4 to 5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB-5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB-5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H-1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB-5 visa instead. It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB-5 visa holdersI'm in the process of extending my L-1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case, and he contacted me back almost immediately, both by email and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing off the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L-1B Visa HolderMark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International OfficesDavies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in a highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries. As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International JurisdictionsSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaI was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa WaiverI am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
U Visa Applicant, A Victim of CrimeLooking to relocate or having trouble with a visa application?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
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65 8012 9546
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