Navigating Immigration Law: Live Q&A with Raghavan Nagarajan (Serotte Law)

Hello H1B Founders,

I'm Manisha Puppala, your host. Thanks for tuning in, sharing your questions, and being part of the H1B Founders community.

This episode was a nut-shell breaker for you, for me, and for many aspiring entrepreneurs who are thinking outside the box and breaking stereotypes. We often talk about the hustle of building something on an H1B, but rarely do we get clear answers on the legal “how” behind it.

That’s why I’m so grateful to have had Raghavan Nagarajan, Partner at Serotte Law, join us for this session with Sid. We dove deep into what’s legally possible, what’s risky, and what immigrant entrepreneurs can start doing now to secure their future.

Whether you’re just getting started or already running your own company, I think this episode will leave you with a lot of clarity and confidence.

Now let’s get into it 👇

🔗 Resources

To contact Raghavan and explore legal support, visit

As mentioned in the session, To book a 1:1 coaching session with Sid.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode on legal considerations for H1B entrepreneurs:

1. Understanding H1B Flexibility: H1B visa holders can start their own businesses, but must navigate specific legal requirements, including obtaining work authorization through the H1B program.

2. Risks and Responsibilities: Entrepreneurs face typical startup risks, with the added complexity of their immigration status being tied to their business success. Proper business structuring can mitigate personal liability.

3. Policy Changes and Opportunities: Recent policy changes have made it easier for H1B holders to work for their own companies, eliminating the need for a board or external control over their work.

4. Strategic Planning: Having a co-founder with a green card can simplify certain processes, and planning for visa transitions like O1 or EB1 can be beneficial for long-term residency goals.

5. Practical Advice: Maintaining accurate records and understanding the implications of salary changes or business roles are crucial for compliance and successful entrepreneurship.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

1. Introduction and Welcome (0:00 - 5:00)

2. Foundational Questions for H1B Founders (5:01 - 15:00)

3. Policy Changes and Implications (15:01 - 25:00)

4. Risks and Responsibilities (25:01 - 35:00)

5. Interactive Q&A Session (35:01 - 50:00)

6. Visa Transitions and Long-term Planning (50:01 - 1:05:00)

7. Closing Remarks and Resources (1:05:01 - End)

Thanks again for being part of this conversation.

If the episode sparked questions or you’d like to see more content like this, feel free to drop a comment below, I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, Manisha Puppala.

#H1B #Entrepreneurship #ImmigrationLaw