There's a lot of information on the Internet about how to do this, but obviously you should talk to an immigration lawyer.

It really sucks and I think it's a stupid system, but there will be far greater obstacles on your path to being a successful founder.

Hi DilipKumar,

Some unsolicited advice. Starting company = solving lots of problems (product, market, tech, hiring etc etc.) See Immigration as just one of these.

Canada, with much easier immigration policies (Toronto/Vancouver) can be your base to build and validate your prototype and later move to valley.

In the age of Internet, geographical boundaries cannot prevent good ideas/products from happening.

Umm Why are you acting like Canada is just Toronto and Vancouver? Montreal is a better place for startups than Vancouver.

Sorry, my bad for missing it out. Montreal/Waterloo are equally great.

Find a great lawyer and have them use your startup Delaware corp as sponsor for your H1B. It's like moving employers. You may need to move $$$ into the company to demonstrate there is enough money to meet your minimum wage category and few other hoops. Alternatively apply for an investors visa but this will mean more capital injection into your US entity and more of those hoops to jump. Happy to talk offline. I'm no lawyer but have been through few Visas and similar scenario to yours. PS. There is no prison ;-)

Hey DK,

Just another entrepreneur here, but I'm a Canadian citizen and also need a VISA.

I've received excellent help from Julie Pearl's firm: https://www.immigrationlaw.com/

They work with plenty of startup founders and I was recommended her through fellow immigrant founders. :) Hope this helps!

As a Canadian, I'd suspect entering the US under a TN visa (Free trade agreement if you have an applicable university degree or 10 years experience) would probably do it. Anybody have experience with that when attending YC?

For TN you need a job offer. Specifically, when you try to enter the US on the TN status (it's not a visa technically), you'll be asked to show an offer letter from a US company that clearly states your intended role and salary.

Oh, thanks for clarifying. I thought we could get the visa while looking for work if you were qualified.

For one thing you can move for the three months program without visa :o