[Ask HN] Applying to Y Combinator from outside the US - Some Questions

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.<p>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.<p>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.<p>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.<p>More info here: <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b9930b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&#38;vgnextchannel=b9930b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD" rel="nofollow">http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b...</a>

Great question, cause I am in the same boat. One thing I was looking into was "Startup Visa", more info here: <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3f412bfb4cf81310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&#38;vgnextchannel=44eec665e1681310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD" rel="nofollow">http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f...</a> The other thing was the E2 Visa, however for some unknown reason, it is not available to Indians due to lack of treaty. More info here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-2_visa" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-2_visa</a> As taurussai has mentioned, work on the application and interview and the amazing YC community can help sort out the rest. P.S. - If any of YC Community would be open to sharing how to make it work, it would be great for future YC candidates.

Not directly related to your question. But hope this can inspire you :-)<p>"After being rejected by Drona[1] on account of his not being of Kshatriya lineage, Eklavya[2] embarks upon a program of self-study in the presence of a clay image of Drona. He achieves a level of skill superior to that of Arjuna, Drona's favorite and most accomplished pupil"<p>[1] <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drona" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drona</a><p>[2] <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekalavya" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekalavya</a><p>PS: If the anology is not self evident. PG/YCombinator is <i>Drona</i> in this case, and you are <i>Eklavya</i><p>Edit: HN--&#62; Ycombinator

Get in touch with guys from interviewstreet.com.. they have been there, done that

You can do it -- a few companies in my batch (W12) have done it and we have a large YC international community to help answer all your visa questions. Answering your first 2 questions (briefly):<p>1. Don't know -- my thoughts would be it depends on customers (if it is worldwide/local to India, team location etc.)<p>2. Yes, it is possible through H1b/O1 visa (a number of founders have done/doing it)<p>* Would recommend focusing on the application and interview -- the YC team,international YC founders community and recommended immigration law firms will help you once you are in...

This question is also in my mind. Will tourist visa work for YC?

I think you should follow the standard procedure first <a href="http://ycombinator.com/howtoapply.html" rel="nofollow">http://ycombinator.com/howtoapply.html</a> so, make a video, fill the forms <a href="http://ycombinator.com/apply.html" rel="nofollow">http://ycombinator.com/apply.html</a> and submit them.<p>btw, in doing so you will clarify and refine your ideas, that is why they insist on this procedure. It saves not just their time, but your time and money.<p>Now a few things to consider. There are, of course, many people were relocated to work for, or create a startup in Valley. This is the crucial point - YC supports only US-based startups.<p>They have power, connections, influence and almost unlimited money in valley, but can't do anything outside US. There are other connected guys in other countries.) So, you will work for them in US or, if your idea is that good, will bootstrap your company in the US (with them as privileged stockholders).<p>There is no way they can finance any business outside US, and you should try to find a domestic investors.)

Thanks taurussai and brackin - looks like there is hope ;) ! Let me just go ahead and submit the application.<p>rehack - I am Eklavya but to fight the fight, I need to go to my Kurukshetra! ;)

you can get some info here: <a href="http://benmetcalfe.com/blog/2012/02/what-visa-type-do-you-need-exactly-to-legally-participate-in-y-combinator/" rel="nofollow">http://benmetcalfe.com/blog/2012/02/what-visa-type-do-you-ne...</a>