Applying for a B1 visa with the reason to explore business viability to decide whether to pursue E2?

[manoje]

Hi There,

I'm currently working at a startup in SF on my OPT. However, I didn't get a H1B and my OPT ends at the end of June. I already started working on my own startup in the US and we just filed an LLC. It's an ecommerce business. My plan is to leave the country to change a visa and then come back to the US with B1 visa to meet with potential investors. Then if I can raise fund, I will apply for an E2 visa.

Questions
1. Is coming back to the US to explore business viability or do fund raising (to apply for an E2 visa) a strong reason for B1 visa? I can have my friends issue a business invitation letter.
2. Is my plan to go home to apply for an E2 visa after the trip enough to convince an officer at the embassy that I will leave the country at the end of the B1 visa?
3. Should I work with a lawyer?
4. Or is it better in my case to apply for a B2 visa?

Thanks so much,
Manoje

 

[1AurCitizen]

Manoje Prutthisathaporn,
You've posted a few times here and on several forums, where you got some advice, including..

>>Sounds like you're dipping into the 2nd category which you cannot do.
>>Or how about you go home and apply for the correct visa instead of trying to bend the rules to suit yourself?
>>My first thought is as you describe it an E2 is not a suitable vehicle. I would firstly discuss the situation with you your Immigration Lawyer, sounds like you need a plan of action.