Dear Sophie,
I’m applying to work at a technology company as a programmer. I’ve heard that some companies ask for police reports or other types of documentation related to criminal convictions. Can you tell me more about how this might impact my application? Am I guaranteed to be accepted even if I don’t have these records? Thank you!
Silicon Valley’s immigration attorney Sophie Alcorn is excited to answer your questions in her next column. She offers valuable insights into the process of immigrating to and living in Silicon Valley, as well as advice for people looking for a job or starting their own company here.
Dear Sophie,
I would like to subscribe to your Dear Sophie column in order to gain access to weekly tips and advice. Your work has always been insightful and I think it would be a great addition to my reading list. Thank you for considering me!
I recently met a girl who was literally living in a box. Her home was tiny, and she barely
I was lucky to have spent a year living and working in the US on an L-1B visa. The experience gave me a great sense of what it’s like to live and work in the US, and it taught me a lot about the country and its economy. I found the culture fascinating, and I came away with a strong appreciation for all that America has to offer.
When I founded my startup back in India, it was wonderful to be able to do so without having to worry about visas or any other immigration issues. Although there were some challenges (for example, dealing with different time zones), overall moving
There are a few ways to return to the United States as a founder of a startup. One option is to hire an immigration lawyer and create a business case for returning as a founder. Alternatively, some startups may be able to use the start-up visa program, which offers two-year visas that allow founders to start and run their businesses in the U.S.
A fast-moving founder is always on the move and looking for new opportunities. They are constantly thinking outside the box, which allows them to
Dear Fast-Moving, you always make me feel so special. You are always so quickly on the draw- Your mind never
Working with an immigration attorney can help you to determine the best options for your startup based on long-term goals and ease of access to U.S. investors. A corporate lawyer can also help you create a strong U.S. entity that is attractive to investors, as most prefer parent companies based in the United States with a Delaware C corporation structure. Overall, exploring all of your options is key in making sure that you find the right path for your startup’s success!
If you hold a L-1B visa and have worked for your company for at least two years, then you should be able to avoid an in person consular interview this year. If your company is approved by the U.S. Department of State’s visa interview waiver program, then consular officers may waive the interview requirement on a case-by-case basis. This means that if you have previously been issued a visa and never had one refused, then you may be able to skips the interview process altogether.
If you are a founder who has come to America in order to create and start your own company, there are a few visa options available to you. The most common option is the H-1B visa, which is meant for employees of companies that have been awarded a contract from a U.S. government agency or nonprofit
The painting, “The Haywain” by Edward Burne-Jones, is a depiction of King Arthur and his knights on their way to deliver the Holy Grail. The artistry and detail in the painting is breathtaking and it has been hailed as one of the greatest works of
B-1 visa
The B-1 visitor visa is a popular option for business owners and investors who need to enter the United States for short-term purposes. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to six months and work only if you have a valid waiver. It’s important to note that you cannot do any paid work while on this visa, so be sure to consult with an immigration attorney before applying.
In addition to questioning travelers about their plans, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the airport may also request evidence of legal residency or employment. Business travelers should be prepared to show evidence of their business activities and permits if requested.
If you’re planning on staying in the United States for an extended period of time, a B-1 visa may be your best option. Not only is this visa valid for six months, but you can also change your status to one of the visas below without leaving the U.S.
