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Comment by proberts | Hacker News Reader

Thanks for the response. Yes, there are other options that aren't subject to the crazy and uncertain H-1B lottery such as the O-1 visa (which, without knowing more, you both probably would qualify for). And while the O-1 is tied to a company, this can be your company. A lot of founders in the U.S. are on O-1s. There is also the intra-company transferee visa (if you are transferring to a related company in the U.S.) and the E-2 visa if you are looking to start a company in the U.S. based on a substantial investment.

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Could you elaborate on how an E2 founder could get to become an immigrant?

Most countries have a treaty of commerce and trade with the U.S. that gives rise to the E-2 visa. In short, you must establish a U.S. company, you and/or others from your country of citizenship must invest at least $100k in this company, the company must spend a substantial portion of this on business related expenses, and you must have a good business plan showing, among other things, the employment of U.S. workers over a 5-year period.

Thanks. I'm asking how it would help you to become an immigrant (the original question).

You could've restated your original question without the condescending first sentence, GP obviously didn't know that, so the derision is wholly unnecessary.

OK I edited and removed the first sentence. Apologies if I sounded condescending.

There's a basic common misunderstanding that there's a connection between an individual's underlying nonimmigrant status and his or her green card options. There's no connection. Underlying status has no bearing on green card options. The connection is merely coincidental. Green card options are analyzed separately regardless of underlying status. Underlying status can impact timing and travel but not the path. So, as an E-2 you can pursue a green card and the path will depend on your job, your qualifications, etc.

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