AmCham Hosts US Work Visa Seminar: "Proper Staffing Key to Investment Success"

"Proper Staffing Through Visas, Key to Investment Success"

With less than three months remaining until the U.S. presidential election, the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) is providing comprehensive information on U.S. employment visas. This is to help companies and organizations avoid situations where they make astronomical investments in the U.S. but fail to deploy personnel in a timely manner.

AMCHAM announced on the 14th that it held a briefing session on the U.S. employment visa issuance process at The Forum, Two IFC, Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. AMCHAM provided a guide on U.S. employment visas applicable to both companies and individuals.

James Kim, Chairman of AMCHAM, said in his opening remarks, "Over the past three years, Korea’s investment in the U.S. has reached unprecedented levels, exceeding $140 billion (approximately 190.55 trillion KRW) in strategic industries such as semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, and renewable energy," adding, "We hope Korean companies can effectively utilize insights necessary for obtaining U.S. employment visas."

James Kim, Chairman of AmCham, is speaking at the "U.S. Employment Visa Issuance Procedure Briefing" held on the 14th at The Forum, Two IFC, Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by AmCham]

Andrew Gittley, Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, stated, "Deploying key personnel is essential for establishing facilities and investments in the U.S.," and emphasized, "Proper visa issuance to ensure personnel deployment is the key to the success of Korean investment in the U.S."

Jung Man-seok, Senior U.S. Attorney at Immigration Law Firm Daeyang, said, "The first step for entering the U.S. market is to resolve visa issues."

Representatives from Immigration Law Firm Daeyang, the Korea International Trade Association, the Consulate General in Houston, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the U.S. Embassy in Korea shared insights on the U.S. employment visa system, including key legal considerations, through a panel discussion.

Jung Hee-chul, Director of the Americas Office at the Korea International Trade Association, shared the current status of investment attraction, including trends in U.S. investment in technology and renewable energy. Jung Young-ho, Consul General in Houston, provided information on the favorable conditions and strategic location of Texas, which is emerging as a major investment hub.

Experts such as Pete Acosta, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Attach? at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, provided guidance during the discussion on difficulties Korean employees face in obtaining short-term visas (B-1, B-2) and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the correct visa types, and risks to be aware of when obtaining each type. They also discussed the possibility of establishing a Korean-specific professional visa (E-4) and simplifying visa issuance procedures.

The speakers unanimously emphasized the need to optimize visa issuance procedures to maintain momentum in U.S. investment. They stressed the importance of education to ensure compliance with procedures and increase visa acquisition rates during the application process for Korean employees.

Meanwhile, AMCHAM plans to hold its annual event, the "U.S. Market Entry Seminar," in October, covering key factors for entering the U.S. market.