Dear‌ ‌Sophie:‌ Will a PPP loan‌ affect my visa renewal or green card?

Dear Sophie: Will a PPP loan affect my visa renewal or green card?

Here’s another edition of “Dear Sophie,” the advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at technology companies.

“Your questions are vital to the spread of knowledge that allows people all over the world to rise above borders and pursue their dreams,” says Sophie Alcorn, a Silicon Valley immigration attorney. “Whether you’re in people ops, a founder or seeking a job in Silicon Valley, I would love to answer your questions in my next column.”

“Dear Sophie” columns are accessible for Extra Crunch subscribers; use promo code ALCORN to purchase a one or two-year subscription for 50% off.


Dear‌ ‌Sophie:‌ ‌ ‌

I’m a tech founder on an ‌E-2‌ ‌investor‌ ‌visa.‌ ‌Will‌ ‌receiving‌ ‌PPP‌ ‌funding‌ ‌count‌ ‌against‌ ‌me‌ when I renew my E-2 or file my I-485 for my green card given‌ ‌the‌ ‌“Public‌ ‌Charge”‌ restrictions?

— E-2 Employer ‌in‌ Emeryville ‌

Dear‌ ‌E-2‌ Employer,

Thank you for starting a business in the United States and for your efforts to keep your team employed. Since the federal government increased funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) last week, your question is timely.