Frequently Asked Questions

Ameri-Asia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 93-1568206) that helps Asian entrepreneurs build connections, find direction and win in America through programs, mentorship and events.

We serve Asian entrepreneurs and business owners who want to start, grow or expand a business in the US. [Add any other groups Ameri-Asia serves, such as students or investors.]

Our events are held at Fushimi Times Square, 311 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036. [Confirm whether any events are held elsewhere or online.]

See our Programs page for current focus areas. [Add a one-line summary of each program.]

Tell us your goal through our Contact page, by phone at 616-855-8866 or at tom@ameri-asia.com, and we will point you to the right program or mentor. [Add how mentors are matched and any eligibility rules.]

[Add program fees or confirm which programs are free.]

See upcoming dates on our Events page. [Add schedule, ticket or RSVP details.]

USCIS lists several pathways, including E-2 treaty investor, L-1A intracompany transferee, H-1B, O-1, the International Entrepreneur Rule (parole) and the EB-5 immigrant investor program. Each has its own eligibility rules. See USCIS: Options for Entrepreneurs.

Generally, owning a US company and working in it are different questions. USCIS explains, for example, that a B-1 visitor may secure funding or office space and attend business meetings but may not operate or work for the business, and that F-1 students may start a business but work is limited to authorized training tied to their studies. Whether you can work in your own company depends on your status, so ask an immigration attorney. Source: USCIS.

Yes. The IRS says you do not need an ITIN to get an EIN. If your principal place of business is outside the US, you can apply by phone at 267-941-1099 (not toll-free, Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Eastern) or by fax or mail using Form SS-4; a foreign responsible party without an SSN or ITIN writes “Foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b. See IRS: EIN and the Form SS-4 instructions.

It depends on liability, taxes, ownership and fundraising plans. SBA compares how each structure handles personal liability, taxes and raising money. Compare the options at SBA: Choose a Business Structure and decide with an attorney or tax professional.

Follow our Start Your Business in America roadmap.

EB-5 is a US immigrant investor program run by USCIS. Investors (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) may apply for a Green Card if they make the required investment in a new US commercial enterprise and create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying US workers. See USCIS: Green Card for Immigrant Investors.

As of October 2026, USCIS lists $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA) or infrastructure project, for petitions filed on or after March 15, 2022. USCIS says these amounts will adjust for inflation for petitions filed on or after January 1, 2027, so check the current figures before you file. Source: USCIS: About the EB-5 Visa Classification.

We can share information and introduce you to [EB-5 partners or licensed attorneys]. See our EB-5 page. We do not give legal or investment advice and cannot promise any outcome.

Ameri-Asia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 93-1568206), so donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Ask your tax professional how this applies to you.

[Add donation link or instructions.]

[Add how to submit an opportunity and what kinds are accepted.] Meanwhile, browse our Opportunities page or contact us.