O-1 For Founders

​Founders occupy a unique position in the immigration system. The work you do — building companies, raising capital, creating jobs, driving innovation — maps directly onto the criteria that matter most for the O-1 visa. But knowing how to translate your track record into a compelling petition is a different skill entirely.

​In this session, Soundarya and Manifest immigration attorney Henry Lindpere will break down the O-1 specifically through the lens of founders and entrepreneurs — what USCIS looks for, how to frame your work, and how to build a case that reflects the real impact of what you've built.

​Henry will cover:

• ​How the O-1 criteria apply to founders and startup operators

• ​What types of founder evidence carry the most weight with USCIS

• ​How to document fundraising, press, leadership, and business impact

• ​Common mistakes founders make in O-1 petitions

• ​How the O-1 compares to EB-1A and EB-2 NIW for founders

• ​How to think about timing and next steps

​If you're a founder exploring the O-1 or trying to figure out whether you're ready to file, this session will give you a clear and practical framework.

​We'll save time for live Q&A — bring your questions!