Here’s another edit from “Ask Sophie,” the advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at tech companies.
“Your questions are vital to the spread of knowledge that enables people around the world to cross borders and pursue their dreams,” he says. sofia alcorn, a Silicon Valley immigration attorney. “Whether you’re in people operations, a founder, or looking for a job in Silicon Valley, I would love to answer your questions in my next column.”
TechCrunch+ members receive access to weekly “Ask Sophie” columns; use promo code ALCORN to purchase a one or two year subscription at 50% off.
Dear Sophie,
My co-founder and I launched a B2B SaaS startup in Poland a few years ago and are now looking to expand into the US to access the market as we have a suitable product market in some countries in Europe.
We really need to be on the ground to interview our ideal users in the US. What visas will allow us to do that?
— Targeting America
Dear target,
Congratulations on taking this next big step in growing your startup! Thank you for reaching out for immigration guidance. Establishing your business in the United States is a valuable foundation for successfully sponsoring you, your co-founder, and other potential employees for visas or green cards, and it also makes investors more comfortable investing in your business. I recommend that you consult both a startup corporate attorney in the state where you intend to locate your company and an immigration attorney to assist you in your efforts.
Image Credits: Juana Buniak / sofia alcorn (Opens in a new window)
matthew daste, corporate attorney, partner, and head of the Northern California Startups and Venture Capital practice at global law firm Mayer Brown, recommends that international founders spend some time in the US to get a feel for the environment. and opportunities before you move. here. i recently I chatted with Daste on the challenges facing international founders in the US Says he has seen an increase in the number of international founders visiting the US post-COVID-19 to kick-start and launch their long-awaited expansion plans and immigration.
Come visit us!
If you want to take Daste’s advice, you and your co-founder can get a B-1 business visitor visa, which will allow you to stay for at least six months, or one ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) visa waiver, which allows citizens of 40 countries (including Poland) to stay for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa. You must inform the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when he arrives in the US that he will conduct business while you are here. You must specifically apply for a B-1 business visitor visa status or if you have ESTA status, WB (business waiver). That can be very important!
