Ayda Akalin

I’m a U.S. business immigration attorney who helps venture-backed and private companies, founders, and key talent build in the United States without immigration chaos, last-minute RFEs, or hiring delays. I advise foreign nationals, entrepreneurs, VC and PE funds, and high-growth companies on inbound U.S. immigration strategy: founder visas, employee work visas, immigration HR compliance, green cards, investor visas, and citizenship. My practice sits at the intersection of startup law, talent strategy, and immigration risk management. Einstein & founder visas (O-1 / EB-1 / NIW / H-1B for startups + scaleups) I work extensively with individuals who have extraordinary ability in science, technology, and business—helping them obtain work visas and green cards based on talent and merit, including: • O-1A “Einstein” visas for founders, scientists, product leaders, and key technical hires • EB-1A extraordinary ability green cards • EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) for researchers and mission-driven professionals • Technical co-founder and early employee H-1Bs, including complex startup structures My favorite matters are deep-tech and STEM: AI and LLMs, generative AI, robotics, climate tech, quantum computing, semiconductor and materials, cybersecurity, fintech, digital health, and other frontier technologies—especially at Series B and later. VC / PE audit & portfolio advisory I advise venture capital and private equity funds, family offices, and acquirers on immigration risk as part of diligence, including: • Immigration “VC audit” of founding and key technical teams • Identifying red flags in H-1B, O-1, STEM OPT, and contractor setups • Stress-testing a company’s ability to retain and scale foreign talent • Designing repeatable immigration programs that match hiring plans and runway Core specialties: O-1A / O-1B, EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW, H-1B (cap-subject and cap-exempt), L-1A/L-1B, TN, E-3, E-2 Treaty Investor, PERM, employment-based immigration, startup & corporate immigration, immigration HR, I-9 compliance, family-based petitions, naturalization & citizenship, N-400, N-600, I-140, I-140G, re-entry permit, LGBTQ+ immigration. To work with me, book a consultation or message me on LinkedIn: https://calendly.com/ayda