The Latest from Sophie Alcorn
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?
Dear Sophie: When is the H-1B lottery and what can I do if my STEM OPT runs out in June?
I am currently on F-1 STEM OPT, which expires the first week of June. The company I’m working for is registering me in the H-1B lottery. If I don’t get selected in the lottery, what are my options
Dear Sophie: 3 questions about immigration and naturalization
My F-1 OPT will run out this June. My employer has agreed to register me in the H-1B lottery in March. What are my options if I’m not selected in the lottery?
Dear Sophie: How do I successfully expand my company to the US?
I’m an entrepreneur in Guatemala and would like to come to the United States to expand my tech company. What is the best way to do that?
Dear Sophie: Do we need a visa to explore the US market?
While sightseeing in the U.S., we’d like to explore the feasibility of expanding our business in there. Do we need to get a special visa to do that?
Dear Sophie: With the H-1B lottery looming, how should we approach overseas hiring?
We’re an early-stage startup struggling to recruit. We received some applications from international talent. This is all new territory for us. What’s your advice for hiring internationally?
Dear Sophie: Will the H-1B lottery be based on the highest wages?
I’m currently working on OPT for an early-stage biotech startup. I heard that the next lottery will not select H-1B candidates based on the highest salaries paid. What else should I know?
Dear Sophie: What’s allowed between a K-1 visa and a green card?
My fiancée is in the U.S. on a K visa. We’re thinking about eloping to Vegas so we can get started on her green card application before a big wedding in her hometown in the spring. Is that allowed?
Dear Sophie: How to maneuver the latest travel bans, H-1B alternatives
Here's another edition of “Dear Sophie,” the advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at technology companies.
Dear Sophie: 2 questions about resuming consular appointments
I sponsored my fiancé for a K-1 visa right before the pandemic, but he hasn’t been able to get a visa. Now that travel restrictions to the U.S. have been lifted, what’s the status of visa intervi
Dear Sophie: What are the latest rules for H-1B visas?
I have been applying for positions in the U.S., and one company says that if they hire me and get me an H-1B visa, the filing fees and cost will be taken out of my paycheck. Is that allowed?