How can I launch a startup whereas on OPT? • TechCrunch

Right here’s one other version of “Expensive Sophie,” the recommendation column that solutions immigration-related questions on working at expertise corporations.

“Your questions are important to the unfold of information that enables folks all around 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 folks ops, a founder or searching for a job in Silicon Valley, I might like to reply your questions in my subsequent column.”

TechCrunch+ members obtain entry to weekly “Expensive Sophie” columns; use promo code ALCORN to buy a one- or two-year subscription for 50% off.

Expensive Sophie,

I’m a global scholar within the U.S. in F-1 standing. I’ll graduate with a bachelor’s diploma in pc science this Could and plan to use for OPT. I need to launch a startup. Can I do this with OPT? What choices would I’ve after OPT to proceed rising my firm?

— Ahead-Trying Founder

Expensive Ahead-Trying,

It’s so thrilling to listen to you’re planning forward in your startup founder journey.

Taking this route requires planning and forethought. Seek the advice of an immigration legal professional for steerage in addition to precautionary measures to mitigate dangers and defend you alongside the way in which.

Launching a startup on OPT

As an F-1 scholar with OPT work authorization (work allow), you will get your organization up and working and be self-employed so long as you’re placing your diploma to work. You could additionally work full time and have all the right enterprise licenses that your state requires.

You don’t have to attend till you get OPT to begin establishing your organization. Underneath immigration regulation, doing issues like forming the authorized entity in your firm, pitching potential buyers or negotiating contracts usually are not thought-about work, so you’re allowed to do them with out OPT work authorization.

That manner, when you’re on OPT, you should have a full 12 months to give attention to working your startup.

F-1 college students can apply for OPT as much as 90 days earlier than finishing their diploma, however no later than 60 days afterward. Check out this earlier Expensive Sophie column on OPT and phone your college’s DSO (designated college official) for extra data.

In the event you already know you need to preserve your startup within the U.S. and discover buyers right here, then speak to a company legal professional to find out how you can construction the corporate. Basically, U.S. buyers need to take care of Delaware C companies. Regardless that you incorporate within the state of Delaware, your startup may be based mostly in Silicon Valley or anyplace within the U.S.