J-2 status - dependents of a J-1 exchange visitor
8 mins read | Nov 9, 2026
TUKKI HEADS TO BUFFALO WITH A $1M WIN
Contributor
Tukki
Reading time
5 mins read
Date published
Oct 20, 2025
Last week, Tukki was announced as one of the winners of the 43North competition, securing a $1M investment and entry into the 43North accelerator program in the U.S.
Every year, 43North brings together different startups to compete for funding, mentorship, and a chance to join Buffalo’s growing tech scene. This year’s cohort drew more than 1,000 applicants, from which Tukki stood out among the final 8 companies pitching live on stage.
It is a recognition of how far we have come and a clear sign of what is next.

Buffalo is not a random destination. The city has become a rising hub for founders who are building purposeful, impact-driven technology. Its strategic location between the U.S. and Canada, just a few hours from New York, Washington D.C., and Toronto, creates opportunities for collaboration and cross-border growth.
Through 43North’s network, Tukki will now be able to expand its B2B efforts while continuing to strengthen the B2C product we have been refining over the past years.
“We’ve been testing the platform with B2C clients, iterating every detail, and ensuring that each experience feels personalized and seamless,” says Ramiro Roballos, Tukki’s CEO and co-founder. “Now, we’re ready to scale.”
Tukki’s platform helps founders and professionals navigate the U.S. visa process in a more organized, smooth, and precise way.
Unlike traditional law firms that rely on scattered tools and delayed communication, Tukki integrates every step, from attorney reviews to client updates, inside a single transparent system.
The goal is simple: make immigration simpler, faster, and more human.
“This investment gives us the runway to accelerate what we already know works,” Ramiro adds. “It’s the right moment to grow, to connect with new partners, and to keep building technology that simplifies one of the most complex journeys in a person’s life.”
Before the final results were announced, Ramiro sent a message to the Tukki team:

When Tukki’s name was finally called, the celebration did not stay in Buffalo. From different corners of the world, the team was watching live, refreshing the stream, and sending all-caps messages of joy.
Because beyond the funding, this moment is about what it represents: a shared belief that immigration can be reimagined, and a global team working toward that mission together.

Ramiro will soon be heading to Buffalo to start the next chapter with 43North.
If you are part of the Buffalo startup ecosystem or nearby, reach out to him on LinkedIn. He would love to connect.
And as they say in Buffalo: Go Bills!
WE CAN HELP
Need more clarity?
Find quick answers to frequent visa questions from our legal experts
How long does the full sponsorship process take from work visa to green card?
The timeline varies widely. An H-1B petition takes 1 to 6 months (or 15 business days with premium processing). The green card process adds significantly more time: the PERM stage alone can take 12 to 18 months, and the I-140 takes another 6 to 12 months without premium processing.
For employees from countries with per-country backlogs (India, China), the wait for a visa number can stretch 5 to 15+ years after the I-140 is approved.
What does "Case Was Updated" mean if nothing changed?
"Case Was Updated" is a generic status message USCIS sometimes posts when an internal action happens that doesn't have its own status code (a file is moved between officers, a note is added to the record, or an administrative review happens). It doesn't always mean substantive movement on your case.
If "Case Was Updated" is followed within a few weeks by a more specific status like RFE, Approval, or Denial, you'll see that next. If the case sits on "Case Was Updated" for an extended period beyond posted processing times, a case inquiry is reasonable.
How early can an H-1B extension be filed?
No earlier than six months before the date of actual need, under 8 CFR 214.2(h)(9)(i)(J). That sets the outer edge of the filing window, not the point at which preparation should start.
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