I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA • Hacker News Board

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#21

Post by throwaway9867 » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:19 PM UTC

I really want to move to the US, it's one of the only things I'm sure I want to do with my life at the moment.

But, I have no idea what the best/viable routes to take are.

If I was prepared to do (pretty much) anything, What do you think would be the easiest way to immigrate to the US?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#22

Post by orsenthil » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:19 PM UTC

Hi Peter, Should a person who is in H1B wants to create a startup in US, what kind of VISA issues that he/she might run into?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#23

Post by garyfirestorm » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:19 PM UTC

What would you recommend to an H1B holder in terms of next steps? Applying for green card through employment(EB2) would take really long (Indian nationality). Does pursuing PhD improve the chances any better (EB1?)

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#24

Post by lawrenceyan » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:20 PM UTC

davidw wrote: post #4

technics256 wrote: post #3

How have the changes by the Trump administration made it more difficult, if at all, for tech companies to hire and get visas for foreigners? What are the biggest takeaways founders should know? Thank you.

Along those lines, is there a tipping point where things get bad enough that you start simply working in another country or countries to sidestep some of those issues? Are we anywhere near it? Doesn't seem like it right now - but what might be some of the triggers for it?

Consistent escalation of tariffs and/or other changes in economic policy is a very strong indicator for detrimental future political action.

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#25

Post by proberts » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:20 PM UTC

lewsire wrote: post #17

Can a F1,J1 or H1B visa holder register a company outside USA (home country) ? assuming it doesn't void any contract between said person and his/her employer or sponsor.

From an immigration standpoint, there's no issue but I suspect that there are corporate and tax factors that should be considered as well.

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#26

Post by throwaway82946 » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:20 PM UTC

Is it best to apply for TN status at the border or through petition?

Can a Bachelor’s of Computer Science holder get TN status with a Software Engineer title easily?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#27

Post by harshgupta » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:21 PM UTC

As an F1 visa holder, can I host a commercial app on internet if it includes not actively working on it?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#28

Post by adamnemecek » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:21 PM UTC

I just wanted to say that you guys should look into the green card lottery. The odds are slim (2%) but hey, fortune might be in your favor. Not all countries are eligible tho.

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#29

Post by Townley » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:21 PM UTC

In your opinion, are there other countries that have a significantly better process for handling skilled immigration applications. And, if so, what lessons from them would you like to see brought over to the US?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#30

Post by godelmachine » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 5:21 PM UTC

Hi Peter,

Thanks for doing this.

What are the chances of RAISE act sailing through Congress?