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Comment by rabc | Hacker News Reader

Great story, great idea, great plan.

Since it's only 3 weeks, I don't think you Hacker School has too much problem accepting foreign students. But it will be a problem for startups trying to hire? Or they're OK aout trying a foreign employee?

A suggestion: Hacker School don't provide certification or grading, but you could set a page with the names of the students for future reference.

I'm really thinking about taking a 3-week vacations and try Hacker School after I finish my Master of Science degree. Even if it's just to learn more :)

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Thanks, rabc!

Since it's only 3 weeks, I don't think you Hacker School has too much problem accepting foreign students.

The program's actually three months, not three weeks. That's still short enough for tourist visas (I think, but obviously IANAL).

The companies we work with are split on visas; in general, the larger the company the easier it is for them to do, since they can plan farther in the future (it can take months or more for visas to come through). The other issue is that I don't think you're allowed to seek employment while you're visiting the country and then get sponsorship; you're supposed to get sponsorship before you come (again, IANAL).

Feel free to email me (nick at hackerschool.com) if you have other questions. We'd love to find a way to make Hacker School more accessible for people outside the US. The primary reason to do Hacker School is to become a better programmer, so I think it's worth it even if the US's crazy immigration policy makes staying after the batch a pain.

Nick,

first, congrats for the Hacker School. I think it's an awesome idea.

I would not assume going for a job interview or talking to a prospective employer necessarily constitutes "seeking employment". See this for instance:

http://visaforimmigration.com/

> USCIS will usually allow a non-immigrant to enter the US to attend a specific pre-arranged job interview in visitor status.

The implication is that you go for the interview on-site, but do not attempt to actually work; you first have to back to your country then go through the normal H1-B (or other such visa) process.

Of course that's not directly applicable to people holding visitor status that want to look for jobs after attending Hacker School. Attending the School might not be allowed in the first place.

If you're getting a lot of non-US candidates (either for Hacker School or directly to Hackruiter), I think it would be a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer.

Bottom of 1st page: http://travel.state.gov/pdf/BusinessVisa.pdf

Training is acceptable on the VWP.

Thanks! Good to know. I'd still check with a lawyer, though, because of this:

> Participating in a training program that is not designed primarily to provide employment.

Yes, 3 months. 3 weeks was me trying to think clearly late night doing a lot of things at same time :P

AFAIK, visitor are allowed to stay for 90 days (3 months) in U.S. with a travel visa. nandemo info was really useful, I will read that careful.

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