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Hey, I’m Tim! ☕

Building a startup is hard enough without the added headache of the US visa system.

But for many cofounders, the right visa isn’t just red tape. I recently spoke to someone whose cofounder had to leave the country and it threw a wrench in their partnership.

So here’s some info and steps you can take to ensure that the paperwork doesn’t slow you down.

(If this doesn’t apply to you, pass it along to someone who could benefit).

_{Talk to a licensed attorney for legal advice. This is information I gathered from the internet.}

O-1A is the One

The O-1A is nicknamed the startup visa.

It’s open to anyone who can demonstrate “extraordinary ability” in science, education, business, or academics.

Benefits

• High approval: It had a 95% approval rate last year and it’s only increasing.

• No lottery: There’s no cap so you’re not competing in a lottery system.

• No boundaries: There are also no restrictions on the applicants per country.

• Start anytime: No need to wait or delay for specific registration dates.

• Unlimited redos: It’s valid for 3 years & you can extend in 1-3 year increments.

• Fast track: Pay an extra $2800 for expedited (3 week) processing.

Sounds almost too good to be true.

Requirements

• You can demonstrate you have extraordinary ability.

• Your achievements have been recognized and documented.

• You’re coming to the US to work in the same field. 

There are 2 ways to demonstrate your extraordinary abilities.

The first way is to win a major international award such as a Nobel Prize or Pulitzer. The second way is to provide evidence for at least 3 of the following:

Other Options

E-2 visa: Treaty investors can apply for this to enter the US and launch a business. The investment must be substantial enough to establish and run your startup.

H-1B: Available to lawyers, physicians, architects, engineers, and other skilled professionals who plan to come to the US and launch their own businesses.

You have a lot to build, so don’t let the paperwork trip you up.

If you (or your team) need any immigration help, my friend Aizada over at Alma is the person to talk to. Schedule a free consultation.

They work with founders and offer both non-immigrant (O1, H1B, TN, L-1, E-2) and immigrant visas (EB1 and EB2-NIW).

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Thanks y’all,

Tim He