Hobberman & Company

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Startup (0-25 Foreign Nationals)

Whether a company is in its early growth stage or is accelerating, it requires the best global talent to scale and succeed. Especially scaling a startup in the U.S. is a critical task when it comes to dealing with the complex U.S. immigration laws. At Hobberman & Company we help U.S. startups (0-25 foreign nationals) to simplify the complicated procedure of hiring, sponsoring, and reserving international talent.

CONTENTS

EB-1A Visa

Processing Time For the EB-1 Visa

EB-1 Visa Requirements

  • EB-1A
  • EB-1B
  • EB-1C
  • Advantages of the EB-1A Visa
  • Advantages of the EB-1B Visa
  • Advantages of the EB-1C Visa
  • How Can An EB-1 Attorney
  • Support You?

CASE STUDIES

  • EB-1A Case Study,
  • EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Petition
  • EB-1A Case Study,
  • EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Petition
  • EB-1A Case Study,
  • EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Petition

Types of Visas for U.S. Startup

Work Visas and Employer Sponsorship

Our team guides startups through acquiring employment-based visas for individuals with exceptional ability in the field of science, business, or technology; for intra-company transfer of executives, managers, and professional employees.
  • H-1B Visa
  • TN Visa
  • O-1 Visa
  • L-1 Visa
  • F-1 Visa
  • EB-1, EB-2 & EB-3 Visa

Founders And Entrepreneur Visas

Our legal team set up strong petitions to acquire visas for founders and co-founders who contribute to U.S. economic growth for businesspersons from foreign countries investing in the U.S.
  • EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
  • E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
  • EB-5 Investor Visa Program

Key Requirements to Qualify as a Startup Employer

To sponsor foreign talent, a startup must demonstrate that it is a legitimate U.S. employer capable of meeting immigration and employment obligations. This generally includes:

Legally Established U.S. Business

Your company must be properly formed in the United States, with valid registration documents, tax identification numbers, and required business licenses.

Active Business Operations

USCIS expects evidence that your company is actively operating, not just incorporated on paper. This may include contracts, client relationships, revenue activity, or ongoing projects.

Employer–Employee Relationship

For many visa categories, startups must show the ability to supervise, control, and pay the foreign worker. This requirement is especially important when sponsoring founders or executives.

Financial Ability to Pay Wages

Even early-stage companies must show they can meet wage obligations. Financial projections, funding documentation, or revenue records may be used to support this requirement.

Compliance Readiness

Startup employers must be prepared to follow U.S. immigration and employment compliance rules, including Form I-9 requirements and record-keeping obligations.

How Can a U.S. Startup Visa Attorney Help You?

Initial Assessment & Talent Evaluation

We begin by understanding your business, team structure, and hiring needs. Each role and candidate is evaluated carefully to identify the most suitable immigration options while considering both immediate requirements and long-term goals.

Immigration Strategy Planning

Startups need flexibility. We design immigration strategies that fit your company’s stage, funding status, and growth plans. Our approach helps you avoid common pitfalls while building a framework that can scale as your team expands.

Visa Petition Preparation

Our team handles the preparation and filing of visa petitions with attention to detail and compliance. We present your company’s story clearly and accurately, helping immigration authorities understand your business and the importance of the role being sponsored.

Consular Processing Support

For employees applying from outside the United States, we guide you through consular processing. This includes coordinating timelines, preparing documentation, and helping candidates understand what to expect at each stage.

Green Card & Long-Term Planning

Hiring international talent is often a long-term investment. We help startups plan ahead by identifying permanent residence options that support employee retention and business continuity while minimizing future disruptions.

Expansion & Global Talent Strategy

As your startup grows, immigration needs become more complex. We continue to support you with scalable solutions, workforce planning, and global mobility strategies that allow you to expand confidently without immigration becoming a barrier.