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Another Tech Entrepreneur denied a US visa. Where is this going?
Dear HN community,
This story might sound somewhat familiar to you.
I travelled to San Francisco three months ago under the Visa Waiver to build my dream company.
I worked non-stop, every single day, building my prototype, networking and seeking investment.
In the past three months, I have achieved an extraordinary amount, made so many new friends and was ready to launch my company.
My startup SkillPitcher, is one that actually creates jobs. I had set it up to eliminate deficiencies associated with the hiring process.
After my waiver period was over, I travelled back home to Amsterdam to get a Visa, so that I don't have to go in and out every three months.
Today I was refused a B1 visa under section 214(b).
I do not know what to do now. I can only write and hope that someone will hear my story.
I would appreciate any type of advice or help with this matter.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
Elmar Gasimov
Founder at SkillPitcher.com
- johnnykiko 14y agoHang on, so you were in the US on the visa waiver program, working on your company? You are not allowed to run a company on either the visa waiver, or a B1 visa. That requires a working visa. You said it yourself - "I worked non-stop, every single day". So I have no idea what you thought you were doing. You ask where this is going. I guess that aliens who work illegally are unlikely to get a visa, and that sounds pretty fine way to be going to me.
- elmargasimov 14y agoExcuse me, Firstly entrepreneurs travel to California because that is where they need to be. Secondly, I am allowed to conduct business and meetings on a Visa Waiver. As long as it is not gainful employment (which it isn't). Thirdly, 51% of all the founders and CEO's in Silicon Valley are foreign born. We come to build jobs and pay taxes to your government. Not to steal your jobs.
- johnnykiko 14y agoFirstly I'm British, so I'm not talking about having my jobs stolen. Secondly, Google for "B1 visa". Take the first result. Read down to "The following activities require a working visa, and may not be carried out by business visitors". It clearly says that you may not run a business. If you founded a startup, that sounds like you ran a business.
- cjbenedikt 14y agothere is no way around it, I'm afraid, I share your experience. you can try and get hired by a US company and obtain an H-1B visa, but the time slot for it is between April and October of each year and the number of visas issued are limited to 65k
- johnnykiko 14y agoBut he won't be able to get one of those either if they have worked out he's been working illegally and have that on record.
- elmargasimov 14y agoI have not been there illegally nor overstayed my time. Nothing prevents me from reapplying to get a visa.
- yunguniu 14y agoSadly, I believe he's right. You can't start a company on a B1, and certainly not on the waiver. For example, Y Combinator involves setting up a company, and you can't do that on the B1.