I acquired my citizenship through the Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship after Birth (INA 320), less than 18yo, living in the US with my American father. That was about 8 years ago. At that time I only requested and obtained my passport and that's the only proof I have of citizenship. Do I need to also obtain a certificate of citizenship? If so, would my American passport suffice to prove my citizenship when requesting the certificate of citizenship?
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
#242Hi Peter, You mentioned the prevailing wage update affects people renewing visas. Would you please be able to elaborate on that and the "field of study" change? 1.) Is there a guide to figure out which level you fall under? 2.) Lets say based on my years of experience (4 years + MS), I qualify for level 4, does that mean if I don't have base salary of 217,000 in NYC, then I am not able to obtain a H1B? 3.) If you hav…
(1) Yes and I'll forward it shortly. (2) Yes. (3) Possibly but these petitions will be scrutinized even more closely. (4) I'm not sure what you mean.
Thanks Peter for the prompt responses!
For (4), I guess I am asking are these changes permanent? Or are they a temporary change (e.g. only valid until end of 2020 like the visa ban that the Trump admin had released earlier this year).
Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#243Earlier quoted context omitted.
In my experience, cultural differences can be way worse than the timezone differences. There are true, critical cultural differences between the US and say the middle east, or asia. In some cultures it is really bad to ask questions when something is unclear, it is really bad to take any sort of initiatives, it is really bad to push back on unreasonable requirements. To me this is the true reason massive out-sourcing…
Truth, having worked with a team of 15 engineers in Bangalore - there is a huge cultural difference. Yes, I understand some people might be offended by this but I am speaking unadulterated truth with absolutely no offense meant in terms of race/country/origin. The culture is totally different and IMO not conducive to innovation, critical thinking and constructive feedback - it is the opposite. Still, some people will…
How much of this is getting what you paid for? how much of this is inability to build and grow professional relationships, willingness to learn cultural awareness? I've worked as an engineer on both sides you mention.
You get what you pay for, there are companies that charge you more and some that charge you less. There are companies that hire good talent, pay them well, have experienced engineers who have worked with range of people/projects and consequently are generally well travelled and culturally aware. And, there are companies that just hire inexperienced engineers etc. Irrespective of which country, if you want a good team of engineers, you got to be willing to pay more.
And, while working with people from a different country/geography, instead of just expecting the people you work with to be culturally aware, you got to be willing to learn and get culturally aware too. Did you put in any effort? For instance, if you go in with I won't even care about trying to pronounce your name right or a bias that "your culture is just not good for innovation/critical thinking etc" attitude, you wont get anywhere.
Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#244Earlier quoted context omitted.
Truth, having worked with a team of 15 engineers in Bangalore - there is a huge cultural difference. Yes, I understand some people might be offended by this but I am speaking unadulterated truth with absolutely no offense meant in terms of race/country/origin. The culture is totally different and IMO not conducive to innovation, critical thinking and constructive feedback - it is the opposite. Still, some people will…
How much of this is getting what you paid for? how much of this is inability to build and grow professional relationships, willingness to learn cultural awareness? I've worked as an engineer on both sides you mention. You get what you pay for, there are companies that charge you more and some that charge you less. There are companies that hire good talent, pay them well, have experienced engineers who have worked wit…
So basically you agree. Cultural differences are challenges that cost time, money and effort to overcome. Sometimes it's not worth it.
I will also add that it's kind of sad that you imply that people who just live according to their culture are "less good", or "cheaper", or "less experienced". Price and cost have nothing to do with it. It is normal for people to live and behave the way they've been taught.
Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#245Hi Peter, thanks for doing this again. I'm a startup founder from India who'd love to learn more about how to gain access to US capital markets and startup ecosystem. (e.g. Annual VC deal volume in US is typically 25x that of India). I'd love to know what you think are some practical ways of going about this, any common gotchas etc.: 1. Opening a delaware c corp via stripe atlas, any common mistakes you've seen? 2. F…
This book came out recently and might help with some of your questions.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GZPBFPH/ref=dbs_a_def_r...
PS: I haven't read the book, so take it with a grain of salt
Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#246Earlier quoted context omitted.
All excellent responses. One potential work-around which is becoming a better and better option is to file a petition with USCIS rather than apply in the first instance at the "border."
If I recall correctly, a petition can only be filed with USCIS for a TN if the individual in question is already outside of the US. Ie, if you are currently within the US on a TN, and looking to switch jobs, you can not file for a new status with USCIS; your options are either to leave the country and apply at a POE, or leave the country, and only then petition with USCIS. Is this incorrect? Can a current TN holder p…
Going through this right now! Applying for a new TN through change of employer (COE) while residing in the US. I was given the option to fly back and forth to apply at the border, but figured this would be the safest (and lowest friction) option.
However, it's been a slow process, especially with having received word of USCIS requesting additional evidence from my first application.
Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#247Hi Peter, Immigration being one the most convoluted laws to declutter, really appreciate you taking out time to answer some of our questions. What would be the best way for someone holding a H1B visa to startup in USA? what are the legal complications one must be aware of? Does partnering with American citizen make it easier? Also, being a software engineer does the current employer have claim on your idea even if it…
This book might have answers. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GZPBFPH/.
Disclaimer: I haven't read it yet.
Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#248Earlier quoted context omitted.
How much of this is getting what you paid for? how much of this is inability to build and grow professional relationships, willingness to learn cultural awareness? I've worked as an engineer on both sides you mention. You get what you pay for, there are companies that charge you more and some that charge you less. There are companies that hire good talent, pay them well, have experienced engineers who have worked wit…
So basically you agree. Cultural differences are challenges that cost time, money and effort to overcome. Sometimes it's not worth it. I will also add that it's kind of sad that you imply that people who just live according to their culture are "less good", or "cheaper", or "less experienced". Price and cost have nothing to do with it. It is normal for people to live and behave the way they've been taught.
> It's kind of sad that you imply that people who just live according to their culture are "less good", or "cheaper", or "less experienced".
Not sure how you got this from what I wrote. I was responding directly to -
"..The culture is totally different and IMO not conducive to innovation, critical thinking and constructive feedback - it is the opposite..."
I was trying to say don't look down condescendingly on other cultures and expect to develop a great working relationship. Experience with different teams and people gives you cultural awareness, where you learn how to motivate, communicate with different people effectively.
Anyway, all I can say is I have worked with multiple teams from different countries and cultures, and haven't had the challenging experience you mention. So, when you use your personal experience to make a generalized claim, I feel its inaccurate.
So, felt compelled to leave a comment. I am not looking to change your opinion though.
Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#249Question: does running a US company from abroad (such as one opened via Stripe Atlas) affect a later entry into USA?
Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#250Earlier quoted context omitted.
(1) Yes and I'll forward it shortly. (2) Yes. (3) Possibly but these petitions will be scrutinized even more closely. (4) I'm not sure what you mean.
Thanks Peter for the prompt responses! For (4), I guess I am asking are these changes permanent? Or are they a temporary change (e.g. only valid until end of 2020 like the visa ban that the Trump admin had released earlier this year).
I am in similar situation as you but based out of Bay area. How were you able to find out your level?