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

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

#41
post #6

Given the large number of people losing their jobs in the US right now, do you think the US should be importing foreign labor?

> do you think the US should be importing foreign labor?

Somehow that's kind of a question where most people do not think. They believe (even when they believe they think). So I think this is an ill-posed question. And obviously it went against the common believe here.

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

#42

Based on public statements by YC partners, appears possible the YC S20 batch will be 100% remote; as it relates to YC interaction with the batch. As it relates to US immigration matters — what, if any, impact might this have on the S20 batch that prior non-remote batches were not subject to?

I don't think that will have any immigration implications because the key facts won't be impacted: acceptance into and participation in YC; the relationships established as a result of participation in YC; funding; and press coverage post-demo day.

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

#44

Hi Peter, Thank you for doing this AMA. I am a student on F1 visa in STEM field, graduating in 2 months. I will be on OPT afterwards. What are some practical immigration paths for recent graduate founders?graduating? Please note that I don't qualify for EB.

First and foremost, take advantage of OPT/STEP OPT. This is a great benefit for students in general and founders in particular. This buys you a lot of time to build up your company so that you might qualify for an O-1 or green card.

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

#45

I was a co-founder back in 2012 in India and we were running a e-commerce store. I am currently in h1-b working for big US company. Just wondering if I can use my past experience to move to eb1 instead of eb2 which I am currently petitioned in.

Yes, absolutely, a history of achievement over time is a key factor in the EB1A context.

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

#46
Thank you Peter for doing this.

Does founding a startup (in Delaware with Stripe Atlas for example) make the immigration process any easier?

What would be the appropriate immigration path for a founder of a US company living outside the US (and not a US citizen)?

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

#47
What's the best way to clear up your immigration record?

e.g. when you overstay less than 6 months, you get "blacklisted" - it becomes hard(er) for you to get a new travel visa, but more importantly, even if you do get it, every time you try to go to the US you get taken to the backroom

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

#48

Hi Peter, Really appreciate you doing this! For a non-American who gets a bachelors degree in the U.S., what are the best paths for starting your own company in the U.S. if you don't want to raise venture capital?

If an E-2 is available, then probably the E-2 or O-1 - after you have taken advantage of OPT to build up your company. If you have other founders/owners that diffuse the ownership and control, then there could be other options such as the H-1B or a country-specific visa.

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

#49
Hi Peter, I work on H-1B for a Biotech and they are applying for a Green Card through PERM for me.The current step it is on is the labor market test, I know the overall economic situation is pretty dire, but my company seems to be doing well and is actively hiring, will the overall economic impact still play a role in the PERM approval ?

Thanks

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

#50

Hi Peter, Really appreciate you doing this! For a non-American who gets a bachelors degree in the U.S., what are the best paths for starting your own company in the U.S. if you don't want to raise venture capital?

If an E-2 is available, then probably the E-2 or O-1 - after you have taken advantage of OPT to build up your company. If you have other founders/owners that diffuse the ownership and control, then there could be other options such as the H-1B or a country-specific visa.

Thank you very much!
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