Right here’s one other version of “Expensive Sophie,” the recommendation column that solutions immigration-related questions on working at know-how firms.
“Your questions are important to the unfold of data that permits individuals everywhere in the world to rise above borders and pursue their desires,” says Sophie Alcorn, a Silicon Valley immigration legal professional. “Whether or not you’re in individuals ops, a founder or in search of a job in Silicon Valley, I’d like to answer your questions in my subsequent column.”
TechCrunch+ members obtain entry to weekly “Expensive Sophie” columns; use promo code ALCORN to purchase a one- or two-year subscription for 50% off.
Expensive Sophie,
Our absolutely distant startup is seeking to fill a number of new engineering positions.
We’ve got not gone via the immigration course of with staff earlier than, and a few potential hires would require visas. One is at present on an H-1B and residing in Dallas. One other candidate is at present residing in Germany and needs to work from Miami.
What ought to we think about earlier than hiring these engineers? How will we deal with being absolutely distant on the subject of immigration?
— Distributed and Decided
Expensive Distributed,
The pandemic quickly modified the best way we work. Many firms like yours now have a distributed or a hybrid workforce.
I recently had a great talk with Hannah Genton, a founding associate of CGL, a company legislation agency that has had a totally distributed staff because it launched in 2017. We chatted about her work with startup shoppers and she or he described a number of points that startups ought to have in mind, notably if they’ve distributed or hybrid groups.
Defending your organization
Picture Credit: Joanna Buniak / Sophie Alcorn (opens in a new window)
Genton says consulting a company legal professional earlier than extending a job supply, taking over fairness or debt, or signing main contracts will allow you to make knowledgeable choices and shield your organization from penalties and lawsuits. Company, employment and privateness legal guidelines differ in every state, so it’s best to know what you may and might’t do. A company legal professional may also information you in making a distributed work coverage to your firm.
I additionally advocate consulting an immigration legal professional earlier than transferring ahead with the 2 potential new hires you talked about. An immigration legal professional can information you thru the H-1B switch course of, subsequent steps to retain that individual after the H-1B visa is ready to run out and assess essentially the most promising visa choices obtainable on the time.
I listing a few of the commonest work visas that startups use to sponsor expertise on this TechCrunch article, however an legal professional may also help you in devising a stable immigration technique based mostly in your firm’s objectives and timing.
Now, let’s dive into your different questions.
What ought to I find out about H-1B transfers?
You need to know that the utmost keep allowed below an H-1B is six years — until the employer or the H-1B visa holder has already began the inexperienced card course of. Provided that, it’s best to discover out:
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