I’m currently working on OPT for an early-stage biotech startup. I heard that the next lottery will not select H-1B candidates based on the highest salaries paid. What else should I know?
Dear Sophie: How to maneuver the latest travel bans, H-1B alternatives
Here’s another edition of “Dear Sophie,” the advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at technology companies.
Dear Sophie: What are the latest rules for H-1B visas?
I have been applying for positions in the U.S., and one company says that if they hire me and get me an H-1B visa, the filing fees and cost will be taken out of my paycheck. Is that allowed?
Dear Sophie: Any advice on visa issues for new hires?
I run operations at an early-stage startup, and I’ve been tasked with hiring and HR. I’m feeling out of my depth and trying to figure out visa issues for prospective hires. Do you have any advice?
Dear Sophie: Any advice for living my dreams in Silicon Valley?
After trying to find an H-1B job to immigrate to the U.S. for several years, I took a position with a company in Canada. My dream is to immigrate to Silicon Valley to start my own venture. Any advice?
Dear Sophie: Startup recruiting strategies for international students and recent grads?
I’m a recruiter at a startup, and I’m looking for an edge to onboard top engineers who are about to graduate from a U.S. university and who mention CPT, OPT and STEM OPT. How do we recruit them?
Dear Sophie: Tips on EB-1A and EB-2 NIW?
I’m on an H-1B in the U.S. I’ve been looking at the EB-1A and EB-2 NIW. I’m not sure if I would qualify for an EB-1A, but since I was born in India, I face a longer wait for an EB-2 NIW. Any tips?
Dear Sophie: Can I hire an engineer whose green card is being sponsored by another company?
I want to extend an offer to an engineer who has been working in the U.S. on an H-1B. Her current employer is sponsoring her for an EB-2 green card. Can we take over her green card process?
3 invaluable founder lessons I learned on my immigration journey
In my journey to the U.S., I became good at three things: accepting uncertainty, building resilience and maintaining a positive mental attitude. I needed them all to get my startup off the ground.
Dear Sophie: Which immigration options allow me to launch my own startup?
I’m appreciative that I made it through the H-1B lottery, but I’m stuck in a rut. I really want to start something of my own. Are there any immigration options that would allow me to do that?