A few months ago, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that immigrants account for a quarter of new employer businesses in the U.S. In fact, the study explained that immigrants in the United States are more likely to hold a granted patent (1.1%), commercialize a patent (0.7%), publish a scientific paper (3.2%), and start a business (0.18%) compared to natives.
Tukki, a Miami-based company focused on visa assistance for entrepreneurs, is looking to insert new entrepreneurs into that flourishing ecosystem by offering migrant startup founders the chance to win a free U.S. visa or green card application process. The opportunity is part of a contest which marks the company's first anniversary and aims to support founders seeking to expand their businesses in the U.S. market by easing the immigration process.
Five finalists will pitch their startups to a panel of judges, who will assess each business based on criteria such as the strength of the value proposition, market potential, traction to date, and the skills of the core team.
The competition will be running through October while the Pitch Competition will take place in November. Winners will be announced on November 11, 2024. The first-place winner will receive a visa petition process valued at over $10,000, while second and third-place winners will receive discounted services.
Tukki's co-founders, Ramiro Roballos and Saveliy Vasilev, have emphasized the challenges startup founders face when balancing the demands of growing a business and navigating complex immigration processes.
In an exclusive with The Latin Times, Roballos noted that "it's incredibly difficult to be a founder, it requires tons of focus" while adding that, for them, "making [the visa] process simpler is the right way to give back." Vasilev on the other hand commented that "entrepreneurs are extraordinary people" which are "rarely swimming in cash to invest in immigration services."
The competition focuses on two visa types: the O-1A nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, business, or athletics, and the EB-1A immigrant visa, which offers a path to permanent U.S. residency for highly accomplished individuals.
It's important to note that while winning the competition does not guarantee a visa (as the final decision rests with U.S. immigration authorities) Tukki provides expert guidance throughout the application process to maximize approval chances.
If a winning founder is unable to apply, they can transfer the prize to a co-founder who meets the visa eligibility requirements. Tukki's goal is to help startup founders access opportunities in the U.S. and contribute to the global innovation ecosystem. "Startups always need fertile ground. Allowing them to reach the U.S. could be a game-changer for the winning founders," Vasilev said.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
