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

#191

Post by archgrove » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:00 PM UTC

proberts wrote: post #126

archgrove wrote: post #103

Is there any advantage in seeking visas for less trafficked parts of the US tech scene (e.g. not just SF, Seattle, etc)? Or is the location of the employer entirely divorced from the success rate?

The latter.

Thanks. I really appreciate these sessions - it's good of you to do them.

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

#192

Post by exabrial » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:09 PM UTC

proberts wrote: post #173

exabrial wrote: post #40

I asked this before but I think the response was you don't have numbers available. Has anyone been turned away or special arrangements needed to be made because of the travel ban?

I don't unfortunately but anecdotally I've heard yes.

:( I think it'd be a useful conversation to have. Contrary to what the news media says, I think vast majority people are pro-immigrant, including the red states. Showing the policy is blocking investment over the perceived safety would be valuable, especially to people who love that kind of thing.

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

#193

Post by sverhagen » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:13 PM UTC

Thank you for your time. My question is not pressing (particularly since I haven't yet researched it exhaustively online myself) but I'm a Dutch citizen and US green card holder (marriage-based), and I'm wondering to what extent I'd jeopardize my green card by living/working abroad (e.g. Europe) for a while (like a few years)?

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

#194

Post by gsvclass » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:14 PM UTC

emk133 wrote: post #55

Peter - are you seeing a shift or a trend where individuals with immigration need are possibly heading to other countries (e.g Canada) given the toughening stance on immigration here in USA recently? Also what would be your 2 cents for citizens from oversubscribed countries such as China/India who practically have to wait for ever now to get work based GC? Head over to Canada?

I moved from SF to Toronto last year with a Canadian PR. Absolutely love Toronto and miss Cali. My motivation was to get out of a work visa and explore some startup ideas. I have a blog https://movnorth.com to help others who are considering Canada. From traffic to the site and the forums I can tell that a lots of people are going this route.

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

#195

Post by SXX » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:16 PM UTC

Hi Peter,

Here is my situation: I am a person with passport of Russia, but I have chance before me to participate in US startup as co-founder. Company will likely be incorporated in Delaware with US citizen as primary founder. So I have a few questions:

1 - With "startup visa" initiative dead in water would it be possible for me acquire US visa with work permission if company likely going to have no more than 5 employees at least in first few years?

2 - How should I go with managing my share in US company? Do I absolutely need to find US lawyer to represent my interests? (I absolutely trust my US colleague, but I worry that we can accidentally do something wrong). Should I register myself as owner of share in company? Or it's better to control share through my own company in EU / UK?

Thanks for many answers you're already given; they are all really useful! Excuse my grammar since I write this in haste.

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

#196

Post by dolguldur » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:19 PM UTC

E-2 and acquisition

What options are there for a startup founder in E-2 status (or on an E-2 visa) when the startup is acquired?

Thanks a lot for doing this AMA!

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

#197

Post by aanajpure » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:20 PM UTC

Hi - Can I transfer my Green card processing to another employer given the below? 1. My I 140 is approved. 2. I do not have the I 140 physically in my hand from the current employer.

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

#198

Post by clomond » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:24 PM UTC

From what you've seen, which TN visa categories have the highest approval rates and which have the lowest?

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

#199

Post by freese » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:25 PM UTC

throwaway66666 wrote: post #59

Any chance for EB3 green card for university drop outs? (assuming X years of studies finished and many many years of progressive relevant experience). Thanks so much.

I never finished my undergrad. Just got my EB-1 GC after having an O-1, didn't seem to be a problem at all.

Also had some help with Peter in the process - thanks!

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

#200

Post by mm414 » Fri, Jul 06, 2018, 7:29 PM UTC

Hi Peter,

I'm currently a remote freelancer and have spent the last 5 years on the move and working in different countries. My main client base is in the UK (where I'm originally from). I would love to move to the States, however I would obviously need to get a work visa. My research has only really lead me having to stop freelancing and get sponsorship with an US company.

So, I was wondering if there are any other routes you might know? I'd rather not give up the freedom of remote freelancing just for the US.

Cheers, M