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Comment on Ask HN: How do I legally run a startup in US while on an F1 or H1B visa?

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* You can do this on the OPT *. Without OPT F-1 employment rules are strict. But the OPT is basically a green card when it comes to what kind of work you can do (anywhere, you don't have to ask anyone's permission to change employers, you can freelance, you can start a business, you can work for multiple employers).

You need to work full-time on OPT. I don't know how they check but you need to be prepared to prove that you're working full time. (I know about this because if you're freelancing, my school told that I need to keep extensive paper trail to prove that I'm employed.) There's limitations about how long you can be unemployed in the OPT.

You need to register your company in E-verify for OPT extension. To register for e-verify you need tax ID numbers and a DUNS number as well. It's a pain but I was able to do it myself. (They make you study for a quiz, etc). You actually don't need to e-verify yourself. Just registering the company and getting an e-verify number was enough for us.

Hi, can I shoot you a few quick questions over email about the process of applying for OPT extension while employed at your own company? Would really appreciate some advice on this.

Sure. public at cem dot re

Hi, So I'm on F1 OPT stem extension which is about to end in June 2014. How to tackle things after the stem gets over? H1B sponsored by my company ?

Yeah, when the OPT runs out you need H-1B. However there's something called the Cap-Gap extension which extends your OPT until your H-1B begins.

I actually got an O-1 because my company got press and funding and I was able to use that as evidence of extraordinary talent .

Once the stem is over, you need to switch to the H1B. Also if you were born in Canada, Singapore, Chile, Australia, things are easier.

Im from India. I will have to go on an H1B, even if I apply for a green card (EB2), it will take me 5 years with the current queue.

You can use the OPT for this accelerator most likely, given it's related to your studies. What is your nationality?

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