Stilt Inc.

Stilt is a platform for financial products and resources for immigrants.

We help you find the right products and choose the path for your immigration journey.

[Rohit Mittal @rohitdotmittal]

We started a podcast. In Hindi.

This is "Episode 1: Founder Ke Paise."

@abhijeetdw and I have had lots of long conversations about startups, founders, and building companies.

Our conversations were more honest and direct when we talked in Hindi.

When we discuss ideas in Hindi, everything becomes easy and effortless. Many of our friends have had the same experience.

But we couldn't find anyone in the Bay Area openly discussing ideas in Hindi.

So, we decided to start a podcast in Hindi to bring these discussions and conversations to everyone.

We plan to discuss anything we find interesting.

We also plan to have interesting and accomplished guests. I think they'll share lots of insights that are lost because of the language.

Hope you all like it.

[Rohit Mittal @rohitdotmittal]

Life of a fintech founder.

I sent this to a fintech founder in early 2024 starting his first company.

Most founders with tech backgrounds think of fintech as only a tech problem.

Tech is definitely important but you have to manage a lot more in fintech.

Fintech products, unlike pure software products, require managing a lot of surface area.

Because of this, iteration is slow and convoluted in fintech.

e.g. every change needs to go through compliance review, bank sponsor approval, impact on credit risk, notification to debt investors, etc

Once you understand the interconnected nature of building a fintech product, you will build great things.

[Rohit Mittal @rohitdotmittal]

Second July 4th as a US citizen.

Writing this in the US on a computer built by a US company, on a platform built in the US, with an image generated by a US company.

And most of them were immigrants.

If legal immigrants could continue to come to the US, we will continue to create great products.

Hope this gives us hope for the future.

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

Learn more about how Stilt helps immigrants without credit history:

https://t.co/njLyN2BO8p

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

If you are an international student, we'd love to hear from you.

We are looking to interview international students on how to manage their finances in the US.

The budgeting tips will help all new international students with building a better budget and saving money.

[Rohit Mittal @rohitdotmittal]

Bay Area is a hotbed of serendipity. One meeting can change your life.

Here’s a story:

OpenAI started in 2016.

We (Stilt) joined YC in W2016.

There was a welcome dinner for the batch.

OpenAI team was also at that dinner.

I was not so good at networking. And I think Ilya wasn’t much into it.

We were both standing on the side and started talking.

He told me he’s the co-founder of OpenAI and working on building advanced AI.

He was super humble given who he was. And I didn’t really know what a big deal he was.

I shared my idea about lending to immigrants.

Ilya is Canadian (also an immigrant). So he identified with the problems and agreed that we need better financial products for immigrants.

We started discussing how AI could be used for better underwriting.

My crazy idea was to underwrite using emails. I told him that if I can convince users to connect their emails, I can lend them using their primary email history.

We started riffing on the concept and got deep into how we’ll build a model for this.

My background is in data science so it was a good discussion.

We connected on LinkedIn and agreed to stay in touch.

I got busy and never followed up. He obviously built world changing technology.

I still think about not following up with great people who I liked.

Life could’ve been very different.

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

Learn how this international student from India on F-1 started a company, got into Y Combinator, and raised $20M for his self driving truck startup.

Kartik's Visa Journey:
F-1 -> OPT -> H-1B -> O-1

https://t.co/Tkg0HjDANw

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

✨ Crafting an invitation letter for your U.S. visa application? 💌 Look no further! Learn the key elements to include and make your letter shine. Let's boost your chances together! ✈️🇺🇸

#VisaApplication #InvitationLetter #USVisa

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

Learn about ways to transfer to Green Card if you are currently on H-1B.

The 3 main steps are:
- PERM Labor Certification
- Submit Form I-140
- Submit Form I-485

The processing times for Green Card are increasing with I-140 taking up to 12 months.

Plan accordingly.

If your H-1B is running out, try to have the green card filed and in line for processing at least 18 months before your H-1B is about to end.

Learn more:
https://t.co/UkyH2lpkM7

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

🗽✨ Dreaming of the American Dream? The EB-3 Visa might just be your golden ticket! 🇺🇸 Dive into how this visa opens doors for skilled workers, professionals, and more to live their best lives in the USA. 🚀 #EB3Visa #AmericanDream

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

Most immigrants don't know about EB-3 green cards.

These visas are for people who don't qualify for EB-1 or EB-2.

40,000 EB-3 visas are available every year.

But there is a 7% quota for each country. This results in longer wait times.

Learn more:
https://t.co/WX5jZWUifI

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

We are starting a series to highlight journeys of H-1B visa holders in the U.S.

Want to be interviewed for the interview series?

Please DM us.

We are looking to talk to lots of immigrants.

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

If you are looking for loans, Stilt has now partnered with lenders, apply for a loan here:
https://t.co/N7XKJAHCQm

*Check your rates without impacting your credit score.

[Lumida Wealth Management @LumidaWealth]

What’s Broken in Fintech & VC? https://t.co/ySMSlQ0G2q

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

#H1Bplanning

6/ Remember, an H-1B rejection doesn't impact your current visa status. You can remain in the U.S. under the terms of your valid visa. Keep an eye on important deadlines & talk to an immigration lawyer to assess your unique situation. (6/6)

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

#H1Bcapexempt

5/ Plan ahead for next year's H-1B cycle. Maintain your current visa status, gather necessary documents, and be ready for the registration period in March. If your OPT is ending, utilize the 60-day grace period to make travel plans & explore options. (5/6)

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

requirements, so consult an immigration attorney. #WorkVisaOptions

4/ Another option: find an employer who is cap-exempt from the H-1B lottery, such as universities or non-profit research orgs. They can sponsor your H-1B at any time without going through the lottery. (4/6)

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

This buys you more time to work in the U.S. #F1visa #STEMOPT

3/ Consider alternative visa options:O-1 for extraordinary abilityTN for Canadians & Mexicans under NAFTAL-1 for intracompany transfersE-3 for AustraliansJ-1 for exchange visitors Each has specific (3/6)

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

understand the H-1B registration process and timeline. #H1Blottery #H1Bvisa

2/ If you're an F-1 student, look into extending your Optional Practical Training (OPT), especially the 24-month STEM OPT extension if you have a qualifying degree. (2/6)

[Stilt Inc. @stilt_inc]

Not getting selected for the H-1B lottery could feel devastating.

https://t.co/tNry6iVfiz

Here's a summary of your potential options:

1/ Didn't get selected in the H-1B lottery for FY2025? Don't lose hope. There are still other paths to work in the U.S. First, (1/6)