The Latest from Sophie Alcorn
Ask Sophie: Which visas will allow us to expand our startup in the US?
We really need to be on the ground to interview our ideal users in the U.S. What visas will allow us to do that?
Dear Sophie: How can I return to the United States as a founder?
I worked in the U.S. on an L-1B for a year, and then changed to an H-1B before I moved back to India. What are my options for returning?
Dear Sophie: Last-minute H-1Bs, O-1A & EB-1A extraordinary credential prep
How many people are employers going to register in the H-1B lottery this year? Will there be fewer because of all of the layoffs?
Dear Sophie: What are my options for changing my status from an L-1 visa?
What are my options for changing my immigration status so I can work at a startup in the U.S. within a year or two?
Dear Sophie: Is there a domestic pilot program for H-1B and L visa stamping?
How long will it take to get an interview for an H-1B visa stamp? Am I eligible for a visa interview waiver? How do I get one? Can I do it from the U.S. this year?
Dear Sophie: Do I qualify for an E-1 trader visa?
I'm from New Zealand and have a B2B SaaS company with many clients in the U.S. We don't currently have a U.S. office, but we pay our taxes there. Do I qualify for an E-1 trader visa?
Dear Sophie: Will published articles better my odds of getting an O-1A or H-1B visa?
I’ve heard that articles in publications about an entrepreneur or a startup can be a big plus when applying for an O-1A or H-1B visa. Is that true?
Dear Sophie: What H-1B and other immigration changes can we expect this year?
When will the visa application fee hikes come into effect? Are there any other immigration-related changes coming this year?
Dear Sophie: How do I change my L-1B to an H-1B through the lottery?
Can I change my L-1B visa to an H-1B with a different company? My understanding is that L visas are restricted to working only with the issuing company.
Dear Sophie: What are some fast options for hiring someone on an expiring grace period?
We're considering bringing on a co-founder on an H-1B with a grace period that will expire soon. What are our fastest, least risky options?
Dear Sophie: Any tips for presenting a strong H-1B case? What if I’m not selected?
My employer will sponsor me in the H-1B lottery in March. Can you share any tips for presenting a strong H-1B case if I’m selected? If I’m not selected, then what?
Dear Sophie: How can I transfer my H-1B to my new startup in 2023?
How can I transfer my H-1B visa to my startup? How do we structure the startup for immigration success?
Dear Sophie: Do employees have to stop working until they get their EAD?
Can the EAD process be expedited? Do employees have to stop working if they don’t receive their new EAD card before the old one expires?
Dear Sophie: What are the pros and cons of the E-2 and L-1A visas?
I’m from Colombia and currently considering both the E-2 investor and L-1A executive visas. What are the pros and cons of each?
Dear Sophie: When can I register my employee for the H-1B lottery?
We're a pre-seed startup thinking about sponsoring an early employee's H-1B visa to stay in the U.S. How does the process work?
Dear Sophie: How do tech layoffs impact PERM and the green card process?
Will layoffs affect the PERM process for EB-2 and EB-3 green cards? What will happen to my team's green cards if our company has to do layoffs?
Dear Sophie: How should I prepare for my visa interview?
Our startup was just accepted into the winter batch of a top accelerator! How should I prepare for the B-1/B-2 visa interview? What type of questions will I be asked?
Dear Sophie: Are there any visas or green cards I can get on my own?
Are there any visas or green cards that I can apply for on my own without relying on my employer?
Dear Sophie: My co-founder’s a green card applicant who just got laid off. Now what?
My co-founder and I were both laid off from Big Tech last week. My co-founder needs immigration sponsorship to maintain status with our startup. Do we look at an O-1A in the 60-day grace period?
Dear Sophie: How can I stay in the US if I’ve been laid off?
I was laid off and I’m on an H-1B. What should I do?