YC Application Tips

Hey there,

I’m back with some urgent immigration news + YC application insider tips! 🚨

The CIS Ombudsman's office - a critical resource for visa holders - is being shut down.

This decision is causing a lot of concern, especially for F-1 visa holders, H-1B workers, and green card applicants. While this heavily impacts the Indian diaspora, it affects anyone working through the USCIS process.

The CIS Ombudsman was a vital lifeline when dealing with delays, application errors, or USCIS issues. In 2024 alone, they helped resolve 30,000+ requests.

But now, that's all up in the air.

If you're a founder or entrepreneur trying to get your O-1A or H-1B sorted, this makes an already-complicated system even trickier. USCIS is already facing serious backlogs, and with fewer channels to escalate issues, things could get more frustrating.

Now, some personal and very exciting news!

Assel, my co-founder, just got approved for her EB-1A Green Card!

We’ll be sharing more of Assel’s story soon, but this is huge for us because it’s a reminder of why we do what we do.

Now coming back to the elephant YC in the room.

The next on-time deadline to apply is May 13 at 8pm PT — and if you do, you'll hear back by June 11.

So if YC’s been on your mind, now’s the best time to start thinking seriously about your application.

The latest data shows YC is processing 30,000+ applications per batch.

But your chances of getting into YC? Just 1.5%.

Let's increase your odds.

YC might not say it directly, but they definitely notice when your application is full of fluff.

Founders from recent batches have confirmed that certain phrases raise red flags and hurt your chances of getting noticed.

I recently reviewed a pitch filled with lines like "We're disrupting finance with our AI engine." It needed some revision.

The fix?

Replace vague vision talk with real results.

Instead of: "AI-powered finance platform"

Say: "Reduced invoice fraud by 58% for 12 companies using anomaly detection."

YC wants proof, not poetry. Be specific. Show results. Keep it real.

Here's my favorite psychology hack:

YC accepts startups they feel they've mentally co-built. They invest in ideas where they see themselves adding value.

Most applications fail by presenting a fully-baked solution with no room for input.

Instead, try this 3-sentence formula:

This formula triggers investors' problem-solving instincts - just like yours kick in when building IKEA furniture.

They'll mentally start connecting dots and making introductions. Suddenly, they're invested.

I’ve watched dozens of successful YC application videos, and I’ve seen firsthand how the best ones use this ridiculously simple formula - something I regularly help my clients (who I support with more than just immigration) perfect:

Don't get creative. Don't use fancy production. Just follow this script.

YC publishes "requests for startups" (RFS) - problems they're actively looking to fund.

These aren't requirements, but if you're already building in these spaces, it might give your application an edge.

Don't treat it as a checklist though - YC still funds all kinds of ideas beyond this list.

How can we help you move here?

The U.S. is where things happen.

It's where founders can truly scale, find investors, and be surrounded by the right network to take things to the next level. No wonder so many international founders want to make the U.S. their home - it’s a place where your startup can thrive, but of course, that comes with the whole immigration game.

A lot of founders first come to the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa for meetings/conferences, only to realize they can’t work on these visas.

That’s where we step in.

At Alma, we’ve helped a ton of entrepreneurs just like you make the move to the U.S. legally. Weather you're aiming for an O-1A, L-1A or another visa/green, we’ll help you figure out the right one so you can keep pushing your business forward without immigration headaches.

Look, the U.S. immigration process isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming either.

If you’ve got the vision and the hustle, we’ll help you navigate the system and make it work for you.

Ready for honest feedback?

We’ve helped dozens of YC backed founders get their O-1A.

Want to get connected with them?

Reply with "REVIEW" and we’ll get you in touch.

Due to bandwidth constraints of the founders, I can only help connect the first 5 of you who reply for a YC application review!

Rooting for you,
Aizada