Ask Sophie™: Which visas will allow us to expand our startup in the US?
Which visas will allow us to expand our startup in the US? Dear Sophie, My co-founder and I launched a B2B SaaS startup in Poland a few years ago and are now looking to expand in the United States for market access since we have product market fit in a few countries in Europe. We […]
Ask Sophie™: Last-minute H-1Bs, O-1A & EB-1A extraordinary credential prep
Dear Sophie, How many people are employers going to register in the H-1B lottery this year? Will there be fewer because of all of the layoffs? Is it still possible to include additional candidates before the deadline next week? — Fast-paced Founder Subscribe to Our Newsletter! Image Credits: Joanna Buniak / Sophie Alcorn Dear Fast-paced, We’re in […]
Ask Sophie™: What are my options for changing my status from an L-1 visa?
Dear Sophie, I started working for my current employer on STEM-OPT, but I’ve lost out in the H-1B lottery four times. Thankfully, my employer transferred me to an international office, and I am now coming back to the U.S. on an L-1 visa. I’ve heard many complaints from my classmates about not being able to […]
Ask Sophie™: Domestic pilot program for H-1B and L visa stamping?
Domestic pilot program for H-1B and L visa stamping? Dear Sophie, I’m in the U.S. on an H-1B, which my employer recently extended. However, I don’t have an H-1B visa stamp in my passport because I originally did a change of status from F-1 STEM OPT. It’s been more than three years since I visited […]
Ask Sophie™: Are published articles a big plus for the O-1A or H-1B visa?
Dear Sophie, I’m the founder and CEO of a startup in Istanbul. I’ve heard that articles in publications about an entrepreneur or a startup can be a big plus when applying for an O-1A or H-1B visa. Is that true? Which publications are valid? Tier-1? Should they be in English? Thank you for your help! […]
Ask Sophie™: What H-1B and other immigration changes are ahead this year?
Dear Sophie, I help several startups with HR. I heard the application fees for many visas and green cards are going to substantially increase. When will those increases go into effect? Are there any other immigration-related changes coming this year? Any H-1B updates? — Passionate People Person Subscribe to Our Newsletter! Image Credits: Joanna Buniak / Sophie […]
Ask Sophie™: How do I change my L-1B to an H-1B through the lottery?
Dear Sophie, I am currently working in Seattle, having relocated from Chile on an L-1B visa. Can I change my L-1B visa to an H-1B with a different company? My understanding is that L visas are restricted to working only with the issuing company. — Charming Chilean Subscribe to Our Newsletter! Image Credits: Joanna Buniak / Sophie […]
Ask Sophie™: Fast options for hiring someone with expiring grace period and filing fee hikes
Dear Sophie, I’m a co-founder of a very early-stage startup. My co-founder and I are considering bringing on a third co-founder, who was recently laid off. She is currently in the United States on an H-1B with a grace period that will expire soon. What are the fastest, least risky immigration options that we should […]
Ask Sophie™: Any tips for presenting a strong H-1B case? If I’m not selected, then what?
Dear Sophie, I’m currently on Regular OPT. My employer will sponsor me in the H-1B lottery in March. Can you share any tips for presenting a strong H-1B case if I’m selected? If I’m not selected, then what? — Proficient and Pragmatic Subscribe to Our Newsletter! Image Credits: Joanna Buniak / Sophie Alcorn Summary: To present a […]
Ask Sophie™: How can I transfer my H-1B to my startup in 2023?
Dear Sophie, I am RESOLVED: this is the year I finally live my dream and create my startup! I currently have an H-1B and I’m working in a full-time engineering role at another company. How can I transfer my visa to my startup to take over my H-1B? How do we structure the startup company […]