Emerging Founder Pathways for International Students

Explore how building a startup and founder profile may support future pathways such as O-1 and EB-1A and self sponsored H1B with guidance from licensed immigration attorneys.

Start Your Founder Journey

Work with trusted immigration advisors

CEBOS collaborates with experienced
immigration attorneys who understand founder-led pathways.CEBOS collaborates with experienced immigration attorneys who understand founder-led pathways.

Sharadha Sankararaman Kodem

Managing Attorney

Sharadha Kodem, Managing Attorney at Kodem Law Firm, combines her personal immigrant experience with legal expertise to provide unique insights and strategic counsel to her clients...

Schedule Consultation

Sunitha Paul

Director - Operations

Sunitha Paul is the most sought-after professional at Kodem Law Firm, where she wears many hats and is renowned for her relentless attention to detail. Born and raised in Bangalore, India...

Schedule Consultation

Sowmya Gudibandi

Director - Operations

Sowmya Gudibandi is a dynamic Director Operations specializing in corporate, compliance, and non-immigrant visas at Kodem Law Firm. Her empathy, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to her clients' success have made her an invaluable asset to the team. Born and raised in India...

Schedule Consultation

Challenges Faced by International Students

After graduation, time-bound decisions often create pressure to choose the right path within a limited window, even as new ideas, opportunities, and meaningful work are still evolving and taking shape, making it difficult to balance urgency with long-term potential.

Discover Your Best Path

Traditional Path

Follow OPT to H1B through a time-bound path with uncertainty

OPT → STEM OPT → H1B
Time-bound progression
Lottery-based uncertainty
Limited control over outcome

Builder Reality

Build startup work and impact that creates visibility and future pathways

Startup & innovation work
Build visibility & recognition
Show measurable impact
Align with O-1, EB-1A & H1B

Exploring founder-aligned pathways

Some immigration categories recognize individuals based on their achievements, impact, and contributions, rather than relying solely
on traditional employment sponsorship or job-based pathways.

Founder at a desk with laptop and workspace

O-1 Visa

Extraordinary Ability (Nonimmigrant)

For founders who can demonstrate strong recognition and impact in their field. This includes achievements like awards, media coverage, or notable contributions. Attorneys evaluate your profile across key areas to build a compelling and defensible O-1 case.

O-1 Visa

Extraordinary Ability (Nonimmigrant)

Founders collaborating on what matters for immigration pathways

What Really Matters in
Founder Pathways

While each pathway has different criteria, many focus on consistent
signals that reflect real-world impact, credibility, and meaningful
contribution over time.

Evidence of meaningful work or innovation
Recognition or visibility in your field
Strong professional narrative
Demonstrated progress and impact
Third-party validation and credibility

How CEBOS Supports Your Journey

Build your startup and founder profile with clarity, while expert legal guidance helps align your journey with long-term opportunities.

What You Build

Build real startup progress with structured support, clear direction, and consistent execution that strengthens your journey as a founder.

Validate and structure your idea
Build a clear founder roadmap
Develop startup traction
Create measurable progress
Strengthen your founder profile

What Experts Guide

Provide expert legal guidance to evaluate your profile, identify pathways, and structure your approach based on immigration requirements.

Evaluate your eligibility
Identify suitable pathways
Guide immigration strategy
Structure applications correctly
Assess supporting evidence

How the process works

CEBOS is built to support founders from idea stage through startup growth. Instead of forcing students to piece together multiple.

STEP 01

Start with Your Idea

Join the Student Founders Program and begin with your concept.

STEP 02

Build Your Profile

Develop your startup and founder profile with structured inputs.

STEP 03

Track Your Progress

Monitor your growth, milestones, and achievements over time.

STEP 04

Explore Legal Pathways

Understand available options with guidance from legal advisors.

STEP 05

Plan Your Next Steps

Make informed decisions with clear direction and support.

Important information

CEBOS is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. All immigration-related decisions should be made in consultation with licensed immigration attorneys. Founder pathways vary based on individual circumstances, and outcomes are not guaranteed.