alt Hacker NewsThe O-1 is a high standard but it's less about overall achievement or standing (like the EB1A green card category) and more about meeting specific criteria, which many talented professionals and founders do. I would recommend reviewing the O-1 criteria (they're listed on USCIS's website, www.uscis.gov) and then having an immigration attorney evaluate your background. People are often surprised that they meet the O-1 criteria or with a bit of work will qualify.
One of the qualifications is "Evidence that the beneficiary has either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence" How does a startup founder go about proving this? They don't have quite the "high salary" and get paid in equity. What have you seen here? How do founders quialify for this part?