Friedman says founders do not need to be U.S. citizens or hold a U.S. visa when they apply. He says participating in YC is almost never a problem for founders in that situation.
Can You Apply to YC Before You Have a US Visa?
Speaker
Jared Friedman of Y Combinator explains whether founders can apply to and participate in YC without a U.S. visa.
Friedman identifies the B-1 temporary business visa as the most common option. He says YC has experience helping founders obtain one and that getting it for the three to four months of the program is rarely an issue.
Friedman reassures non-American founders who are interested in YC that the visa is unlikely to be the obstacle. His advice is to pursue YC without treating the visa as a reason to hold back.
Takeaways
- Founders can apply to YC without already having a U.S. visa.
- The B-1 temporary business visa is a common path for attending YC.
- YC has experience helping founders with the B-1 process.
- The expected stay discussed is three to four months.
- Visa concerns alone should not deter non-American founders from applying.
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What was claimed 3
- feature
Y Combinator: Founders can participate without having a U.S. visa when they apply“you can. We have lots of founders who aren't U.S. citizens and don't have a U.S. visa when they apply to YC”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
- featureY Combinator: The program lasts three to four months
“the three to four months you'll spend in YC”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
- featureB-1 visa: Temporary business visa; commonly used by founders in this situation
“The most common option for founders in this situation is called a B-1 visa. It's a temporary business visa.”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
