A Journey of Perseverance

Meet Tanush Sharanarthi, a 26-year-old software engineer making waves at IBM in the bustling Bay Area. Tanush's journey to secure his place in the U.S. tech industry was anything but straightforward.

The H-1B Lottery: A Game of Chance

For three years, Tanush tried and failed to land an H-1B visa, a process likened to playing the slots in Vegas. Each year, tens of thousands of hopefuls enter a lottery with only 85,000 visas available. Despite having a master's degree, the odds were stacked against him.

Discovering the O-1 Visa: A Silver Lining

After facing disappointment, Tanush explored the O-1 visa, specifically designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities. With qualifications such as published research in artificial intelligence and experience as a hackathon judge, he realized he met several of the criteria.

From India to Innovation

Originally hailing from Bangalore, India, Tanush began his U.S. journey on an F-1 visa, pursuing a master's in information systems and AI at Johns Hopkins University. Post-graduation, he gained temporary work authorization through OPT, allowing him to work at IBM.

The Turning Point: O-1 Visa Application

Determined to contribute to the tech scene, Tanush applied for the O-1 visa in August. Using premium processing, he anxiously tracked his application, hoping for good news. After 12 nerve-wracking days, the status finally changed to 'approved,' bringing a wave of relief and triumph.

Advice for Aspiring O-1 Applicants

Tanush's journey teaches valuable lessons for future O-1 seekers. He emphasizes passion for one’s field over merely seeking a visa. Building a robust professional network can make all the difference, as it did for him in Silicon Valley.

Conclusion: A Call to Persist

The O-1 visa – dubbed the 'Einstein visa' – demands dedication and hard work, often taking years to achieve. For Tanush, his commitment to AI and software engineering finally paid off, proving that with perseverance, dreams can become reality.