Setting up a U.S. LLC while on a visitor visa is allowed, but it’s important to clearly maintain and document your nonimmigrant intent. To show you still intend to leave, you should continue to keep strong ties to your home country, such as a primary residence, ongoing employment or business abroad, family connections, and financial commitments outside the U.S. Avoid engaging in day-to-day management or active work for the LLC while in visitor status. When you later apply for a business visa or change of status, consistency between your actions, travel history, and documentation will be closely reviewed.

The key is separating business ownership from active work. On a visitor visa, you can form an LLC and take preparatory steps, but you should not operate the business or receive compensation. To demonstrate intent to depart, keep records showing your planned exit, such as return travel, foreign tax filings, and continued obligations abroad. Any future business visa application should clearly explain the timeline and show that you respected the limits of your visitor status. Acting conservatively now helps protect your credibility when you pursue a business status later.