How to Prepare for Your Move to the US for an Accelerator Program (+ Checklist)

Getting accepted into a US accelerator program is a significant step forward for most foreign startups. It’s also a major accolade, as you must have come in the top 1-3% of applicants to secure your place.

Only one thing stands in your way now: You must obtain a visa to travel to the US and begin your program.

The good news is that US immigration approves the majority of startup visas. Founders are more likely to encounter issues during the application process, which can be complex and unclear. If you experience delays, you can’t then make the most of the accelerator program.

Understanding your next steps can help you successfully navigate the visa process and avoid any pitfalls. That’s why we’ve put together this checklist, followed by a breakdown explaining each item. Discover how to prepare for a seamless relocation to the US and how leading immigration services like Deel Immigration can provide essential support.

Visa checklist for US accelerator programs

There are different routes into the US for those entering a startup accelerator program. The ideal one for you depends on several factors, including your home country, family situation, and business type.

That being said, here’s a list of what most applicants need to consider:

A breakdown of the US accelerator visa checklist

Let’s explore what all the items on the checklist mean and why you need to cross them off to prepare for your move to the US.

Decide on your route into the US

Many startup founders travel to the US on a short-term visa and apply from within the country.

If you wish to take this route, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is the best option. There’s a simple online application, and processing only takes up to 72 hours. Once approved, you can travel to the US for up to 90 days while you arrange your long-term visa.

Only select nationalities are eligible for the ESTA though. If your country isn’t on the list, consider obtaining a B-1 or B-2 visa instead. These have a more involved application process but let you stay in the US for up to six months.

Consult with an immigration service like Deel Immigration before you apply for a short-term visa. They can confirm you meet all the eligibility criteria and indicate any potential issues. Perhaps you’d like to travel during your stay — they might advise you to apply for a B-2 visa as it’s for mixed business and tourism.

Choose a long-term visa

Your next step is to decide which work visa best suits your needs. There are two main options: the O-1 and the L-1.

The O-1 is for individuals in the top percentage of their field. They must be able to demonstrate they have the requisite expertise and intend to continue their work in the US. As you’ve just beaten 99% of applicants onto an accelerator program, you’ll undoubtedly meet the criteria.

Many foreign entrepreneurs choose the O-1 for its flexibility. You can stay for up to three years on the visa and apply for unlimited extensions.

However, dependents aren’t eligible for work authorization under the O-1 visa. They have to apply for a change of status after they’ve entered the US.

Consider the L-1 instead if your spouse intends to work from the US. The L-2 dependent visa automatically gives them the right to employment. Either your partner can look for jobs within the country or continue doing their current job remotely.

Whoever’s running your accelerator program is likely to have valuable insights. After all, they’ve watched hundreds of other participants go through the same process. Ask them which visa routes have the highest success rates and the least complications in recent years.

Gather the paperwork

As soon as you’ve decided on your visas, start collecting all the required documents. Some paperwork might take weeks to arrange, so it’s best to get a head start.

Here’s a closer look at what you’d need for the O-1 visa:

• Visa forms: All applicants can download Form-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website
• Visa forms for dependents: Assuming your family is applying from within the US, they should fill out Form I-539. You need to attach a copy of your visa approval notice
• Premium processing: If you’re short on time, you can submit Form I-907 to expedite your visa application
• A valid travel document: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your expected stay
• A reference letter: O-1 applicants must provide a letter from a peer group recognizing their expertise. Whoever runs your accelerator program should be acceptable
• Evidence of a relationship with the petitioner: You must arrange for someone to petition on your behalf and get a signed agreement. That person can be a US member of your startup or a professional service like Deel Immigration
• Business plans and itineraries: You should outline what you expect to accomplish in the US so officials can check it matches your expertise

USCIS recognizes that not everyone finishes formal education. For the O-1, you don’t need a high school diploma or degree certificate, provided you fulfill the other visa requirements.

Aside from these documents, you need to meet three of seven criteria demonstrating that you have extraordinary ability in your field.

• Significant contributions like new inventions or scientific breakthroughs
• A nationally or internationally recognized award
• Employment at a world-renowned organization
• High earnings in a previous role or high projected earnings for your startup
• Membership in an elite association (awarded based on your credentials)
• Articles about your work in highly regarded publications
• Academic materials you authored or co-authored
• Experience on a panel judging the work of others

While USCIS provides detailed guidelines, there isn’t a list of required paperwork. You must decide for yourself which documents best support your case. The accelerator program may count as membership in an association, taking care of one criterion already.

Download our Guide to US Startup Visas for a more in-depth analysis of the O-1 requirements.

Submit the visa application

You’re free to apply for the visa once you’ve prepared all the supporting documents. The O-1 doesn’t have fixed dates like many other non-immigration categories, so you can choose a time that suits you.

Bear in mind that visa processing takes anywhere between two and six months. It may be longer if USCIS feels your application is incomplete and makes a request for further evidence. If you’re applying from outside of the country, apply as far in advance as possible to create a buffer.

You may not be able to apply in advance. Some US accelerator programs only give you a few months to prepare. Your only option is to apply for premium processing to get the visa approved within 15 days.

If you do face issues, ask the program operators for support. While they can’t adjust the start date, they may be able to provide assistance. For example, Techstars has partnered with Deel Immigration to offer foreign entrepreneurs guidance and help with unforeseen issues.

You need to pay the filing fees when you submit. The current cost is $1,055 (USD) for Form I-129 or $530 if you count as a small employer. Alongside the premium processing fees, you can expect to pay around $4000 for yourself.

Deel Immigration lets you monitor your progress every step of the way. Simply log into the dashboard to view your current status and any outstanding tasks. Got a question? Contact your case manager directly via the platform to get answers and reassurance.

What are the next steps?

Efficiency is going to be your priority when you’re about to start an accelerator program. The US Green Card is unlikely to be suitable for your needs as the process can take upwards of two years.

Once you’ve established your startup in the US, you may decide to stay there long-term. That way, you can take advantage of the accelerator program’s ongoing support for alumni. Most startup founders are eligible for permanent residency through one of the following Green Card classifications:

• EB-1A: Applicants must demonstrate they’ve got outstanding abilities in their field. Alternatively, you can file as a multinational manager or executive
• EB-NIW: You must prove that you have an advanced degree or exceptional abilities. The requirements are generally less stringent than the EB-1A

While you’re considering your next move, stay compliant with the conditions of your current visa. Namely, you mustn’t change the type of work you do without amending the original petition. USCIS may revoke your visa status if they discover you’re not adhering to the purpose of your stay.

Get your startup over the finishing line with Deel Immigration

Visas can pose a significant hurdle for foreign startups participating in international accelerator programs. Your strategies must factor in the complex application process as well as your business plans.

Outsourcing to a leading immigration service like Deel Immigration can reduce the risk of complications and delays. We handle all the complexities, like eligibility criteria, forms, and deadlines. Meanwhile, you can focus on preparing for the upcoming move and the program.

Deel Immigration can handle most aspects of the visa process, including eligibility checks, application forms, and submission. You can track your status via the dashboard and contact your dedicated case manager with any questions.

When it comes to showcasing your business plans, Deel Immigration remains hands-on. We assist you in developing a strong proposal and choosing the right documents to support your case.

Want Deel Immigration to support your startup journey? Schedule a meeting to learn about our visa, immigration, and relocation services.