The Latest from Sophie Alcorn
Dear Sophie: Which visa is best for bootstrapping a startup?
I'm a founder from Germany. Our customers are mainly U.S.-based, and we don’t plan to raise any capital from investors. What's my best option for bootstrapping my startup in the U.S.?
Dear Sophie: How do we handle being fully remote when it comes to immigration?
Our startup is looking to fill several new engineering positions. How do we handle H1-B transfers and being fully remote when it comes to immigration?
Dear Sophie: How do we qualify for each of the O-1A criteria?
Our startup will be sponsoring my co-founders and me for O-1A visas. How do we qualify for each of the O-1A criteria?
Dear Sophie: Does International Entrepreneur Parole have any advantages over an O-1 visa?
Are there any advantages to International Entrepreneur Parole over an O-1 visa? IEP seems to require $250k in institutional backing — so getting an O-1A doesn’t seem like a huge reach from there.
Dear Sophie: Can I do anything to speed up the EAD renewal process?
I’m on an L-2 visa as a dependent spouse to my husband’s L-1A. My EAD (work permit) is expiring in May. How long is the current process?
Dear Sophie: What are the visa options for international founders?
I started a startup in Pakistan with a couple of co-founders a few years ago. One of the co-founders and I want to move to the United States to access the market. What are our visa options?
Dear Sophie: Any USCIS updates on automatic work extensions and premium processing?
My H-1B expires soon and my employer filed an extension. I’m thinking about self-petitioning an EB-2 NIW green card -- what's the latest on premium processing?
Dear Sophie: When should I sponsor engineers for green cards?
The engineers that we’re trying to recruit to work at our startup are increasingly requesting that we sponsor them for green cards. Can you give me a rundown of the green cards that are available?
Dear Sophie: Can a startup sponsor a graduating co-founder?
What are the options for an advanced-degree graduate from a U.S. university who wants to co-found a startup upon graduation? Can the newly minted company or other co-founders sponsor the recent grad?
Dear Sophie: I didn’t win the H-1B lottery. What are my next steps?
My employer entered me in the H-1B lottery, but I wasn't selected. I heard that my degree now qualifies as a STEM field, making me eligible to continue working under OPT. How can I stay in the U.S.?
Dear Sophie: Supporting Ukrainians with H-1Bs and beyond
We entered a prospective Ukrainian employee who fled to Poland in the H-1B lottery, but they haven't been selected yet. How can we support them?
Dear Sophie: What can we do to help employees who are Ukrainian citizens?
We have several employees who are Ukrainian citizens. We want to make sure they can continue to live and work in the United States. What should we do?
Dear Sophie: How long does it take to get International Entrepreneur Parole?
Both my co-founder and I have E-2 status. We need to find a quick visa option, as a VC investment will dilute our equity and we will no longer be eligible. How long does IEP take? How can we expedite?
Dear Sophie: Is there an easier route to L-1As and STEM O-1As?
As my Indian company continues to grow, I’m considering coming to the U.S. with my family and purchasing a home. What are my best options?
Dear Sophie: How long does it take to get International Entrepreneur Parole?
My co-founder and I have E-2 status and we're expecting a VC investment. We are interested in International Entrepreneur Parole, but we’re concerned about timing. Should we consider an alternative?
Dear Sophie: 2 questions about the latest immigration news
My goal is to co-found a fintech startup while on an F-1 OPT. I heard that I could to qualify for STEM OPT given the expanded list of STEM fields. Can I continue working at my startup on STEM OPT?
Dear Sophie: How can US tech companies support Ukrainians with immigration?
Here are some guidelines for how U.S. founders, tech companies, and VCs can support Ukrainian citizens with U.S. immigration.
Dear Sophie: Startup visa news, H-1B and STEM OPT queries
My crystal ball says that there is actually hope for a startup visa in 2022!
Dear Sophie: Should we seek a K-1 visa or marriage-based green card?
I’m a U.S. citizen who has been working in Germany. I got engaged but I now need to return to the U.S. to work. Should I seek a K-1 visa or a green card for my fiancée?
Dear Sophie: How can early-stage startups compete for talent?
As a first-time, early-stage startup founder, I find it difficult to compete against other startups on compensation. Any advice for reducing the cost of recruiting from abroad?