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Ovidiu Ionescu

Posted 4 months ago

User
Living in Louisiana since late 2024 has been an interesting adjustment after moving from Romania. I entered the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), which gave me 90 days to visit. Now, in July 2025, I’ve been offered a chance to partner in a small business project by a friend who runs a startup in New Orleans. They’re open to helping me stay longer legally, but I’m not sure what options are actually available. I know ESTA isn’t meant for business ownership or long stays, and I don’t want to break any immigration rules. What can someone in my position do if they want to explore long-term business opportunities in the U.S.?
3 Responses
L

Lalita Chakraborty

Answered 4 months ago

User

You can’t extend or change status from ESTA while in the U.S. If you want to pursue a business opportunity legally, you’ll need to leave the country before your 90-day stay expires and apply for an appropriate visa, like a B-1 or E-2, from Romania.

N

Nkosinathi Ndlovu

Answered 4 months ago

User

Romania is part of the E-2 treaty country list, which means you may be eligible for an E-2 investor visa if you invest in and manage a U.S. business. This visa must be applied for at a U.S. consulate abroad, not while you're on ESTA.

M

Mahboubeh Mahboubeh

Answered 4 months ago

User

Overstaying your ESTA, even with good intentions, can trigger future travel bans or visa denials. It’s better to return home and apply properly than risk violating your current status and harming your long-term immigration options.

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