Founder
No founder visa yet — talent routes with founder framing.
Founders often pursue O-1A, EB-1A, or EB-2 NIW when the company and personal record show extraordinary ability, sustained acclaim, or national-interest work — not a startup lottery.
Possible destinations
What can make your profile stand out
- Third-party recognition of you — not only company valuation slides.
- Evidence that your role was critical to distinguished outcomes.
O-1A
Critical or essential role in distinguished orgs
Leading a venture with press, funding, or industry distinction can support O-1A critical role — when the organization itself is distinguished.
Guide →EB-1A
Original contributions of major significance
Category-defining products or methods adopted by others may support EB-1A original contributions.
Guide →EB-2-NIW
Substantial merit and national importance
Founder work with clear public benefit (health, climate, critical tech) may support NIW substantial merit.
Guide →Route comparison
Ready to see what may fit?
Run the eligibility check with your goals pre-filled, or dig into the authoritative guide library.
Educational only — not legal advice, not a filing recommendation, and not an approval prediction.