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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

#202
post #199

Earlier quoted context omitted.

??

There are things called Law Societies or Bar Associations that are built to accept and investigate these types of complaints. That's the nature of regulated professions - there are places to complain and investigate.

[deleted]

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

#204
1) How often do YC startups (seed/series A/ etc) sponsor H1B visas for their emploeeys? If not often, what are the blockers?

Background: I am from Romania (part of EU), currently working in United Kingdom. The plan is to get an L1 from a big tech co (currently working at Facebook). But I'd be very happy to find out startups sponsor H1Bs as well.

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

#205

In a remote-work world, why ever launch a startup in the US / Canada? Why not launch in a tax-free zone, like Dubai?

Better access to funding, networking, bigger talent pool, access to some sort of "water-cooling" conversations if you are the social type who loves to mingle. But it is true that the world is getting smaller. Even as an employee, for many places getting a 50% of what you'd earn in the US without having to move there could be worthwhile.

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

#206

1) How often do YC startups (seed/series A/ etc) sponsor H1B visas for their emploeeys? If not often, what are the blockers? Background: I am from Romania (part of EU), currently working in United Kingdom. The plan is to get an L1 from a big tech co (currently working at Facebook). But I'd be very happy to find out startups sponsor H1Bs as well.

Blocker would be the H1B lottery. You'll have better luck using L1 and then convert to a green card than going down the H1B route.

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

#207

In a remote-work world, why ever launch a startup in the US / Canada? Why not launch in a tax-free zone, like Dubai?

Compliance. If you're building a SaaS startup then it's very important to have physical presence in the US

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

#208
post #152

Peter does a thread here every few months. So I want to share a cautionary tale about Immigration lawyers in general and Peter in particular. I had extensive immigration experience in US, where I did many filings. Worked with many different immigration lawyers. In that end with your immigration you are dealing less with the law aspects and more with the paperwork filling which is more clerical work. Things that I rea…

Speaking generally: People need to remember that there are two or more sides to every story. It's impossible to evaluate any of this accurately in the context of an internet thread, and since it's a no-win situation for the person or organization being accused, there's no way for the full picture to emerge. Speaking specifically: Peter handled my personal case with consummate professionalism and effectiveness, and I'…

I didn't realize until now that you are an immigrant, but this actually makes a lot of sense. You seem to consistently delete comments that show any hint of sympathy for the American worker. And more broadly speaking, you seem to moderate any comment or content that doesn't tow the liberal party line. Canadians can really be the worst sometimes, and it is shame that you were able to weasel your way into this position that has a lot of power. Hopefully 4chan is right, and the day of the rake is near.

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

#209
post #180

Peter does a thread here every few months. So I want to share a cautionary tale about Immigration lawyers in general and Peter in particular. I had extensive immigration experience in US, where I did many filings. Worked with many different immigration lawyers. In that end with your immigration you are dealing less with the law aspects and more with the paperwork filling which is more clerical work. Things that I rea…

Let’s see if I understand this. Correct me if I’m wrong! There’s a highly trained and qualified professional willing to take six hours out of their Saturday to help, for free. You chose this time to be an asshole. There are two sides to every story but at this point, if you told me the sky was blue, I’d ask for a citation. Edit - Hey Peter, these AMAs always help me one hell of a lot. You’re loved. I hope you hear th…

Well, sole reason Peter is doing this is to get more business.

My post has two parts. First part was tips related to choosing a firm and knowing what is at stake if things go wrong.

Second part specifically about my experience with Peter. It's an anecdote on internet. Take it for what you might.

I agree that I started the name calling for Peter which was the best characterization of my personal experience with him. You name called me where you had no idea about what really happened with me and how Peter actions completely turned my life upside down. Might be good to reflect on your own actions!

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

#210

Simple question: Canadian interested in working for American companies. Do I need to get pre approval to work via some permit, or does an employer handle it after getting hired? Is it a lottery for the permit?

You need a job offer and can't start working for the company in the US until you have obtained work authorization. Often the best option for Canadians is the TN and broadly there are two paths, applying in advance with USCIS and then raveling to this with this approval notice or applying as you are traveling to the US with CBP at a Canadian airport, at the US-Canada or US-Mexico border, at a CBP office at US airport if traveling to the US from a country other than Canada.
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