Forming a US entity does not require residency or a visa. Where founders get stuck is everything downstream: obtaining an EIN, opening a bank account, and satisfying the identity checks banks apply to non-resident owners.
Sequence matters. The EIN is needed for the bank, the bank is needed to pay anyone, and some banks require an in-person visit. Starting the application late adds months rather than weeks.
Decide the structure with the tax position in mind before filing. Converting an entity afterwards is possible and considerably more expensive than choosing correctly at the start.
