Ask Sophie: What visas allow us to expand our startup in the US?

Here is another version An “Ask Sophie” advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at tech companies.

“Your questions are critical to spreading the knowledge that allows people around the world to rise above borders and pursue their dreams,” said Silicon Valley immigration attorney Sophie Alcorn. Whether you’re in People Ops, a founder, or looking for a job in Silicon Valley, I’d love to answer your questions in the next column.

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Dear Sophie,

My co-founder and I started a B2B SaaS startup in Poland a few years ago, and now that the product market fits in a few countries in Europe, we’re looking to expand our market reach in the United States.

We really need to be on the ground to ask for our good users in the US. What visas allow us to do that?

– Planning America

Dear Aimee,

Congratulations on taking this next big step forward in growing your startup! Thank you for accessing the Immigration Guide. Establishing your company in the United States is an important basis for successfully sponsoring you, your co-founder and other employees for visas or green cards, and it makes investors feel more comfortable investing in your company. 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: Joanna Buniak / Sophie Alcorn (Opens in a new window)

Meyer Brown, a corporate attorney, partner and head of the Northern California Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice, advises international founders to spend some time in the United States to get to know the environment and opportunities. Before you go here. I recently spoke with Daste about the challenges facing international founders in the US, and he said he’s seen a surge in international founders visiting the US post-Covid-19 to kick the tires and launch their long-awaited expansion and immigration plans.

Come for a tour!

If you want to take Daste’s advice, you can get a B-1 business visitor visa, or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) visa, which allows you and your co-founder to stay for at least six months. It allows citizens from 40 countries (including Poland) to stay for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa. When you arrive in the US, you must tell a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer that you will be doing business while you are here. You should especially ask for B-1 Business Visitor visa status or ESTA, WB (ban-trade) status. That can be very important!