The Startup Visa® Podcast

Tahmina Watson
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  • Entrepreneurship

Navigating U.S. immigration laws is one of the biggest hurdles for startups entering the U.S. market—and that’s where The Startup Visa® Podcast comes in! Hosted by Tahmina Watson, bestselling author and top immigration lawyer, this podcast is part of The Startup Visa series, which also includes a comprehensive visa guidebook and a policy book for founders and policymakers alike. Whether you're a U.S. startup struggling to hire global talent, an international entrepreneur looking to break into the U.S. market, or a policy maker working on creative federal and state immigration solutions, this podcast delivers essential insights.  Each episode covers the latest law and policy updates, expert advice, and real-world stories to help you navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. With almost 20 years of legal experience, Tahmina has been a leading advocate for startup visa reform, collaborating with the Obama administration and spearheading initiatives for immigrant entrepreneurs. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations with key policymakers, legal experts, and startup leaders, and stay informed on the latest developments in immigration policies. Ready to learn more about the startup visa and other visa pathways? Subscribe now and explore the Startup Visa® series for a complete toolkit to help you succeed! Get your copy of the bestselling visa guidebook for startups and founders on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or anywhere you get books. The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: BooksFollow her on LinkedIn to see all her work on startup visa issues and immigration in general. If you have questions, you can send questions from her website at www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com

  1. Aug 29

    The Startup Visa Podcast with Special Guest Neal Mody

    Send us Fan Mail In 2014, Neal founded Zoic to address the systematic underfunding of early-stage health technology startups, and focus on identifying, funding, and developing the next era of health. Neal works closely with his portfolio companies to provide strategic and operational value beyond capital, supervising workshops to build a large-scale IP development strategy, and codeveloping deals with potential strategic acquirers. Neal has over 15 years of successful experience in the tech startup space. In 2007, Neal co-founded of Ambature, a superconductor company leading the charge towards room-temperature superconductors, a key technology to enabling quantum computers and fusion reactors. As founding CEO, Neal led the company to raise $20M in funding and create 3,700 patent claims, accounting for more than half of patents in the world in the field. In 2019, Neal co-founded HDT Bio, an RNA-based immunotherapy company that has received hundreds of millions in government funding to advance the battle against the world’s deadliest infectious diseases and cancer, and distribute their advances to patients globally. Neal’s accomplishments at Ambature and HDT have made him a valuable and trusted source of advice for other CEOs. He has served on the Board of Directors of 10 other startups and has offered guidance to over 100 CEOs through his mentoring role at Creative Destruction Labs. You can learn more about Neal Mody on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealmody/  Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/ Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan.  Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.   And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books  Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com.  Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media: LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson Twitter - @TahminaTalks Instagram - @TahminaTalks Facebook - Watson Immigration Law Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

    The Startup Visa Podcast with Special Guest Neal Mody

  2. Aug 29

    The Startup Visa Podcast with Special Guest Levi Velez Reed

    Send us Fan Mail Levi Velez Reed joins Tahmina on this episode of the Start Up Visa Podcast. Levi explains his involvement with Startup425, a program that assists Eastside entrepreneurs with networking, resources, and educational opportunities.  Levi Velez Reed is a former marketing professional and founder. He gained experience at Amazon and his own marketing company before pivoting into the business education field. Levi currently teaches at UW Foster and works with founders and VCs to support preseries founders in positioning and launching their brands. Learn more about StartUp425 - https://www.startup425.org/ Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan.  Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing, for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/ Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.   And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books  Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com.  Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media: LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson Twitter - @TahminaTalks Instagram - @TahminaTalks Facebook - Watson Immigration Law Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

    The Startup Visa Podcast with Special Guest Levi Velez Reed

  3. 12/31/2025

    Daniel Sawko, CEO and Founder of Shipshape.vc

    Send us Fan Mail Daniel Sawko is the CEO and co-founder of shipshape.vc, a free-to-use investment search engine designed to help founders quickly and precisely identify the right investors for their business. Built to take the guesswork out of investor targeting, shipshape.vc empowers startups to filter thousands of potential backers by sector, stage, geography, and intent—saving founders weeks of manual research. You can learn more about Daniel at www.shipshape.vc Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/ Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan.  Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.   And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books  Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com.  Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media: LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson Twitter - @TahminaTalks Instagram - @TahminaTalks Facebook - Watson Immigration Law Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

    Daniel Sawko, CEO and Founder of Shipshape.vc

  4. 12/31/2025

    David Kika- Canadian immigration Information

    Send us Fan Mail Given the various challenges in the United States, many US residents are looking for information about how to immigrate to Canada. Tahmina speaks with David Kika, an immigration expert practicing Canadian immigration law David Kika is a seasoned business immigration professional based in North Vancouver, BC, with deep expertise in Canadian and international immigration pathways. He supports clients with LMIA applications, work permits (including NAFTA/CUSMA, CPTPP, and CETA), and both provincial and federal permanent residence programs such as BC PNP, Express Entry, and others across Canada. David also handles family sponsorships and a range of other immigration applications. Prior to his Canadian practice, he worked in the Czech Republic assisting Japanese automotive executives with European work permits and corporate matters. David brings a global perspective and practical experience to every client he serves. You can contact David at David Kika Immigration Consulting | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau and find him on LinkedIn at David Kika | LinkedIn Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan.  Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/ Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.   And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books  Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com.  Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media: LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson Twitter - @TahminaTalks Instagram - @TahminaTalks Facebook - Watson Immigration Law Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

    David Kika- Canadian immigration Information

  5. 09/30/2025

    $100,000 H1B Fee Insights with Efren Hernandez, Former USCIS Policy Leader & Founder-EH3 Immigration Consulting

    Send us Fan Mail Efren Hernandez, a life long USCIS policy leader, now working in the private sector sits down with Tahmina to discuss the shocking $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas.  Efren Hernandez is the Founder of EH3 Immigration Consulting. He is an immigration lawyer with 32 years of experience in the field, the vast majority at the former INS and at USCIS. While he has seen and done just about everything in the immigration realm, for the last 24 years he has focused on business/employment-based immigration. He has held leadership roles at USCIS and the legacy INS, and has been involved in the creation of many major policies in the employment-based realm. He is retired from USCIS and now uses his deep institutional, legal, and policy knowledge to offer high-level strategic consulting on complex immigration questions. You can learn more about Efren on LinkedIn at Efren Hernandez III | LinkedIn Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan.  Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.   And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books  Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com.  Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media: LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson Twitter - @TahminaTalks Instagram - @TahminaTalks Facebook - Watson Immigration Law Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

    $100,000 H1B Fee Insights with Efren Hernandez, Former USCIS Policy Leader & Founder-EH3 Immigration Consulting

  6. 06/09/2025

    David Kika: How to move to Canada

    Send us Fan Mail Given the various challenges in the United States, many US residents are looking for information about how to immigrate to Canada. Tahmina speaks with David Kika, an immigration expert practicing Canadian immigration law David Kika is a seasoned business immigration professional based in North Vancouver, BC, with deep expertise in Canadian and international immigration pathways. He supports clients with LMIA applications, work permits (including NAFTA/CUSMA, CPTPP, and CETA), and both provincial and federal permanent residence programs such as BC PNP, Express Entry, and others across Canada. David also handles family sponsorships and a range of other immigration applications. Prior to his Canadian practice, he worked in the Czech Republic assisting Japanese automotive executives with European work permits and corporate matters. David brings a global perspective and practical experience to every client he serves. You can contact David at David Kika Immigration Consulting | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau and find him on LinkedIn at David Kika | LinkedIn Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan.  Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.   And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books  Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com.  Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media: LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson Twitter - @TahminaTalks Instagram - @TahminaTalks Facebook - Watson Immigration Law Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

    David Kika: How to move to Canada

  7. 06/09/2025

    WA Senator Vandana Slatter on the Importance of Immigrant Entrepreneurs

    Send us Fan Mail Senator Slatter helped pass state funding for a Washington State immigrant entrepreneur program, one of a handful in the entire country. Tahmina sits down to speak with her.  Senator Vandana Slatter (D–WA 48th District) is a pharmacist, biotech professional, and trailblazing lawmaker who brings science, compassion, and equity to public service. Currently Vice Chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, she also serves on the Health and Higher Education committees. A former Bellevue City Councilmember and four-term State House Representative, Vandana was the first Indian-American elected to the Washington State House. Her work has championed climate policy, healthcare privacy, education access, and innovation. A naturalized citizen, community leader, and public school parent, Vandana’s journey from pharmacy to policy is grounded in service, representation, and creating opportunity for all. You can learn more about Senator Slatter at Vandana Slatter for State Senate | Meet Vandana Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing, for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/ Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan.  Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.   And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books  Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com.  Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media: LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson Twitter - @TahminaTalks Instagram - @TahminaTalks Facebook - Watson Immigration Law Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

    WA Senator Vandana Slatter on the Importance of Immigrant Entrepreneurs

  8. 03/21/2025

    Chris Bloomquist- Founding Partner, Talent Mine

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, our guest is Chris Bloomquist. He is a 20 year veteran to the technology industry, a 2 time startup founder and expanding into the climate and environmental recruiting industries.  He has a passion to tell the stories of impactful environmental organizations, leveraging his executive level recruitment expertise to put inspiring people to work, and believes that equitable hiring and employment should be a basic human right. He also serve as the Vice Chairman of the KD Hall Foundation as a male ally, serving minority girls and women in their education and employment growth. He is a father, husband, adult Lego enthusiast, ultimate frisbee and cross country coach and enjoys a good Star Wars movie as much as a tasty food documentary.  Links to connect with Chris: About Us | The Talent Mine (2) Chris Bloomquist | LinkedIn Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing, for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/ Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan.  Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.   Here is a link to her bestselling visa guide book: The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: Books Here is her policy book: The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economic Prosperity in America: Watson, Tahmina, Turnbull, Lornet, Feld, Brad: 9781735758534: Amazon.com: Books Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com  Sign up to our blog- and connect with us on social media: LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson Twitter - @TahminaTalks Instagram - @TahminaTalks Facebook - Watson Immigration Law Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

    Chris Bloomquist- Founding Partner, Talent Mine
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About

Navigating U.S. immigration laws is one of the biggest hurdles for startups entering the U.S. market—and that’s where The Startup Visa® Podcast comes in! Hosted by Tahmina Watson, bestselling author and top immigration lawyer, this podcast is part of The Startup Visa series, which also includes a comprehensive visa guidebook and a policy book for founders and policymakers alike. Whether you're a U.S. startup struggling to hire global talent, an international entrepreneur looking to break into the U.S. market, or a policy maker working on creative federal and state immigration solutions, this podcast delivers essential insights.  Each episode covers the latest law and policy updates, expert advice, and real-world stories to help you navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. With almost 20 years of legal experience, Tahmina has been a leading advocate for startup visa reform, collaborating with the Obama administration and spearheading initiatives for immigrant entrepreneurs. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations with key policymakers, legal experts, and startup leaders, and stay informed on the latest developments in immigration policies. Ready to learn more about the startup visa and other visa pathways? Subscribe now and explore the Startup Visa® series for a complete toolkit to help you succeed! Get your copy of the bestselling visa guidebook for startups and founders on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or anywhere you get books. The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: BooksFollow her on LinkedIn to see all her work on startup visa issues and immigration in general. If you have questions, you can send questions from her website at www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Information

  • Creator
    Tahmina Watson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Startup Visa® Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Startup Visa® Podcast