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Re: l2 visa holder, is it a good idea to start an online store selling small merchandise?

Luidgi — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:38:38 GMT

Hello laborvisalaw,
Thank you for your answer. Please could you tell me if there is a law about this subject that I can consult ? If so, could you tell me number/name of this law ?
Tks in advance.
Luidgi.

Re: l2 visa holder, is it a good idea to start an online store selling small merchandise?

mygenieforyou — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:34:40 GMT

Whatever you do make sure and do your research to make sure it is something you want to do and is the real thing!!

http://geniesavesyoumoney.com

Dan

Re: l2 visa holder, is it a good idea to start an online store selling small merchandise?

saushi — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 05:38:40 GMT

Dear LabourVisaLaw,

I am an L2 Visa Holder and want to start a small website based business, however I do not understand why and EAD would be required for doing so, first, I expect to make only about $100 or so a month and second I am not being employed anywhere, just starting a small website which consults and takes payment via Paypal. However if EAD is definitely required, I'd like to know how can I apply and if you can help me out in correctly filling forms ( of course at your normal charges ).

regards
Sophia

Re: l2 visa holder, is it a good idea to start an online store selling small merchandise?

laborvisalaw — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:17:02 GMT

Aprilvillage-

I will address the immigration aspect of your business idea. As a L-2 visa holder, you are entitled to a) reside in the U.S. for the duration of your L-2 visa; b) work on a full-time basis with proper employment authorization document; c) engage in full-time study in the U.S.; and d) travel in and out of the U.S. on short trips abroad.

With this in mind, L-2 visas are very favorable "dependend" visas because you can actually work or run your own business. But before you do this, you should file and receive an employment authorization card (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you do not already have an EAD, the process of obtaining an EAD is not complicated but you should be very careful if you plan on doing it yourself as mistakes may delay your application.

You will need to:

Complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Copy of your Form I-94 Departure Record given to you upon entry to the U.S.
Enclose a filing fee of $340
Two passport-style photos
Copy of your current passport
Copy of the L-1 petition

If you can you should consult with an immigration attorney regarding any nuances as the requirements are subject to change. Contact me if you need further help.

Good luck-

laborvisalaw

Re: l2 visa holder, is it a good idea to start an online store selling small merchandise?

Momentum — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 17:21:54 GMT

April- While making a decision you should also consider that almost everything from China is being imported and sold over here. You can find them in a dollar store or in a brandname store. If you think your merchandise will be serving a niche then it is a good idea to get started, else it might not be worth to give it a try.

Better you start with a small survey in your area/community on test basis and if the feedback is great go online. Also have you planned about inventory and it's continuous supplies?

Other thing I think even if you are on L2 visa you can still apply for a Work Permit. May be you can check it with some attorney.

Re: l2 visa holder, is it a good idea to start an online store selling small merchandise?

LUCKIEST — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:25:29 GMT

The traditional Chinese handmade gifts, decorations, silk, clothing, ARE THEY NEW??
Only you would know if they are good enough.
Do you know what they COST?? and what you want to sell them for??
LUCKIEST

Re: l2 visa holder, is it a good idea to start an online store selling small merchandise?

aprilvillage — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:10:27 GMT

LUCKIEST, thanks for your reply. I'm staying for 3 years from this year. I have with me some traditional Chinese handmade gifts, decorations, silk, clothing, etc. Are they good enough? I don't have a big ambition, but just want to prove myself still useful here. Even if a few hundred bucks a month would be nice for me for the moment. Thank you again!!!

Re: l2 visa holder, is it a good idea to start an online store selling small merchandise?

LUCKIEST — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:56:33 GMT

April, It could be a good idea to start selling merchandise. What do you have in mind??. Tell us more??.
You were a teacher for 12 years. How long are you staying in the U S A??
What would you be selling and how much will you be making??
I would suggest you develop both a Business and a Marketing Plan.
You will also need a Federal I D number from the I R S.
Good luck, LUCKIEST

l2 visa holder, is it a good idea to start an online store selling small merchandise?

aprilvillage — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:45:48 GMT

I used to be a high school teacher in China. But when I move to US, my 12 years of teaching experience is of no use. I wonder if it is a good idea if i can start a small online store so that i can make some money homebased? Thanks a lot. I really don't want to be a "dependent" as they put it for the visa application.