I'm not a YC founder so I'm sure those that are will be able to offer some specific advice but I know plenty of YC founders that have gone through this and I'm

I'm not a YC founder so I'm sure those that are will be able to offer some specific advice but I know plenty of YC founders that have gone through this and I'm from the UK and applying for Winter 2013. 1. Usually companies that haven't incorporated outside of the US will register as a US company. If your visa situation isn't completely sorted it can be a slight deterrent to some investors but not enough to put anyone off. Usually not because you're not from the US but because getting kicked out of a country can put a founder in a tough place. There are many YC companies that do it every year and guys like Joel and Leo (AngelPad) from BufferApp raised their seed round for a US company from top investors and while they get their visa they've based their company in other countries. 2. There is a Visa for Angel Investors but I don't believe there is a visa doing the opposite. Of course if you have a degree your options open up considerably. It is technically somewhat possible to sponsor your own H1B but since you're a founder of the company and major shareholder, I doubt this would be accepted. 3. A lot of people I know go for the O-1A visa. Which is for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement. If you can show getting into YC and success of your company has value to the US you will be able to say for up to three years at which point you can extend or look at your other options. It's not inexpensive or easy but is a good bet. More info here: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b9930b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=b9930b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b...