International Founder Roadmap: F-1, CPT/OPT & Beyond

Building a company is hard. Building one while navigating U.S. immigration is a whole different game.

Whether you’re currently in classes, on OPT, or eyeing a post-grad transition, the legal "gray areas" of entrepreneurship can be a major roadblock.

In partnership with the Berkeley Haas Venture Capital Club, join us for a conversation with UC Berkeley Law Professor & Immigration Lawyer, Marc Santamaria, to understand how to build your startup without compromising your status.

What We’ll Cover:

The "In-School" Hustle (F-1 & OPT)The Compliance Line:

• When "customer discovery" legally becomes "work."
• The Student CEO: How to use CPT/OPT to lead your startup and structure ownership.
• Revenue & Equity: Navigating compensation and the pros/cons of a U.S. co-founder.

The Post-Graduation Pivot:

• The Visa Roadmap: Strategic deep-dives into O-1A (Genius Visa) H-1B, and EB-1A.
• Special Cases: Navigating J-1/Fulbright residency requirements.
• Case Building: Immediate steps to build an "extraordinary ability" profile while still in school.
• The Bottom Line: Realistic timelines, legal costs, and the bootstrap vs. investor path.

Don’t let visa status stop your vision. Secure your spot and get the clarity you need to build.

Note: This session is for educational purposes and provides general legal information. For specific legal advice, always consult with a qualified immigration attorney

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship Hub