I would like to share our (Buxfer) experience. We are F-1 students, currently on a leave of absence from the Ph.D. program. We have applied for Optional Practic

I would like to share our (Buxfer) experience. We are F-1 students, currently on a leave of absence from the Ph.D. program. We have applied for Optional Practical Training. This provides a 1-year extension when you can legally work and earn from your company. (Any F-1 student can set up a company, btw - they just cannot earn money from it :) Within this 1-year period, we need to secure some other work visa. Our most likely bet is H-1B, but there are others like O-1 which we may consider. We are in talks with lawyers currently, but from what I've heard till now, it seems like getting H-1Bs approved will be possible if we demonstrate significant investment in the company. Also, s/^/IANAL: / for every sentence :P