The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders

"The startup community has needed this book for a long time. There is no one more qualified or committed than Tahmina to deliver it." —Brad Feld, Founder, Techstars and author of Venture Deals "This transformative book, authored by a seasoned entrepreneur and a renowned immigration attorney, is a guiding light for aspiring startup founders in the US. Its comprehensive approach offers practical wisdom and real-world examples while addressing the unique challenges faced by international students who, like me, are pursuing entrepreneurial ambitions in the US." —Ankit Gongale,MBA 2024, Weatherhead School of Management and President, Weatherhead Entrepreneurship Club,Case Western Reserve University The US immigration maze is complicated for anyone to navigate but even more so for startups and founders. Whether it is a newly established startup trying to hire its first talent,a founder who is a recent international graduate student, or an experienced high-skilled immigrant professional branching out into the startup world—for all of them, immigration obstacles are the first to overcome. Which visa is best for your situation? Do you get an H-1B, or try for an O-1? Or should you apply for an E-2, or an L-1? Enter The Startup Visa, the solution to overcoming the many challenges of the US immigration system. Author Tahmina Watson, a long-standing, dedicated advocate for startup visas with hundreds of success stories, is now sharing her sought-after experience as one of the country's foremost immigration attorneys. She provides both startup founders and employers with tips and strategies to consider for the entire life cycle of the startup. The first chapters cover general startup immigration strategies, such as fundraising stages in visas, scaling up in visas, and IPOs. The book then covers non-immigrant visas to help startups get off the ground. These chapters explain visas such as H-1B, O-1, E-2, and L-1, as well as cap-exempt H-1Bs, concurrent H-1Bs, and the International Entrepreneur Rule (also known as IER or IEP). Once a startup has entered the US market, and established and scaled the business, a permanent immigrant visa will become a priority for the founders. The chapters on immigrant visas such as the EB-1A, EB-1B, National Interest Waiver, and more, will help to sketch out a path to permanency. Watson effortlessly simplifies complicated immigration law, avoiding legalese and instead focusing on "human-ease." Readers will come away with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in their entrepreneurial journey. "Bursting with expert insights, practical advice, and compelling success stories, this captivating read is a catalyst for global collaboration and prosperity. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and empowered to unleash the true potential of innovation." —Neal Mody, Venture Capitalist