4 ms·

When asked six weeks ago whether the Yuri Milner / SV Angel offers would affect which startups YC accepts, pg said "No, of course not." I would imagine that, i

by corin_ 16y ago

When asked six weeks ago whether the Yuri Milner / SV Angel offers would affect which startups YC accepts, pg said "No, of course not." I would imagine that, if this legislation does pass, it might change his answer to that question, as all of a sudden that extra $150k becomes the difference between foreigners being able to get a Startup Visa to be accepted into YC or not. If you read this Paul, care to share any updated thoughts on how this legislation and the $150k offer will/won't impact who you can accept to YC, and possibly who will apply to YC?

iamelgringo 16y ago
Or, if you have decent product, team, traction, pitch and social proof, you can apply to Angel List, and pick up the investment. Come to the area on a tourist visa, hang out at local meetups like 106 miles or Hackers & Founders, and we'll try to get you guys plugged into the scene. Hopefully, you'll make enough connections that if and when you have to go back, you'll be able to have enough connections to raise an angel round, get a visa and move.
- hippich 16y ago
  If only getting tourist visa was so easy for everyone =))
  - patrickk 16y ago
    There's 36 countries on the Visa Waiver Program, see if you qualify: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#... "The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established to eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. "
    - sireat 16y ago
      While nice, it is not without its caveats, if CBP officer does not like you, you are gone. "Travelers should be aware that by requesting admission under the Visa Waiver Program, they are generally waiving their right to review or appeal a CBP officer’s decision as to their application for admission at the port of entry. Likewise, if the traveler is later found to have violated the conditions of admission under the Visa Waiver Program, they do not have the right to contest a removal order (See the CBP website for additional details.) "
    - hippich 16y ago
      I am already in USA and I went through all possible options to get there. And no - I am not in Visa Waiver Program list. It's very hard for people from some countries to get into USA. (I am not talking about India, muslim countries etc.)
marcamillion 16y ago
I am not speaking for PG, but as far as I understand it, foreigners can participate in YC and raise that $150K and go home if they want after the 3-month period. There was never a pre-requisite that the founders had to be able to live/stay in the US. Just that they have to be able to visit for at least 3 months. So I don't see how that would affect it.
samstokes 16y ago
You don't need a work visa to get into to YC. They require you to move to the Bay Area for the duration of the scheduled YC programme, but don't have conditions on where the company operates from thereafter (I believe they prefer you to incorporate in the US, but I doubt that's a hard requirement). YC lasts three months, which is a lot easier from an immigration standpoint than moving here to work long term. It's still conceivable that YC might become more attractive to foreigners, because the $150k would allow them to apply for a Startup Visa. I doubt that would affect YC's application policies, however.

by corin_ 16y ago

iamelgringo 16y ago

Or, if you have decent product, team, traction, pitch and social proof, you can apply to Angel List, and pick up the investment. Come to the area on a tourist visa, hang out at local meetups like 106 miles or Hackers & Founders, and we'll try to get you guys plugged into the scene. Hopefully, you'll make enough connections that if and when you have to go back, you'll be able to have enough connections to raise an angel round, get a visa and move.

hippich 16y ago
If only getting tourist visa was so easy for everyone =))
- patrickk 16y ago
  There's 36 countries on the Visa Waiver Program, see if you qualify: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#... "The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established to eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. "
  - sireat 16y ago
    While nice, it is not without its caveats, if CBP officer does not like you, you are gone. "Travelers should be aware that by requesting admission under the Visa Waiver Program, they are generally waiving their right to review or appeal a CBP officer’s decision as to their application for admission at the port of entry. Likewise, if the traveler is later found to have violated the conditions of admission under the Visa Waiver Program, they do not have the right to contest a removal order (See the CBP website for additional details.) "
  - hippich 16y ago
    I am already in USA and I went through all possible options to get there. And no - I am not in Visa Waiver Program list. It's very hard for people from some countries to get into USA. (I am not talking about India, muslim countries etc.)

marcamillion 16y ago

I am not speaking for PG, but as far as I understand it, foreigners can participate in YC and raise that $150K and go home if they want after the 3-month period. There was never a pre-requisite that the founders had to be able to live/stay in the US. Just that they have to be able to visit for at least 3 months. So I don't see how that would affect it.

samstokes 16y ago

You don't need a work visa to get into to YC. They require you to move to the Bay Area for the duration of the scheduled YC programme, but don't have conditions on where the company operates from thereafter (I believe they prefer you to incorporate in the US, but I doubt that's a hard requirement). YC lasts three months, which is a lot easier from an immigration standpoint than moving here to work long term. It's still conceivable that YC might become more attractive to foreigners, because the $150k would allow them to apply for a Startup Visa. I doubt that would affect YC's application policies, however.