[proberts]

That's hard to respond to other than to say that there are multiple visas that allow participation in accelerators and training programs.

[rao-v]

That makes sense ... is there a typical path? Basically - are they right in thinking it's a high risk thing for them or should I encourage them to take a shot?

My understanding is that their time spent on the company before YC accepts them is the biggest risk factor?

[proberts]

No I don't think it's high risk at all because even if the path were something other than H-1B, they always could go back to H-1B.

[garbawarb]

As a non-lawyer, it seems that you'd have to leave your company to join YC, meaning you'd forfeit your H1B visa.