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Indian Engineer Secures O-1 Visa After H-1B Struggles

9/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Tanush Sharanarthi, a 26-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, India, secured an O-1 visa after six years in AI.
He faced three unsuccessful attempts in the H-1B visa lottery.
The O-1 visa, requiring proof of extraordinary ability, was granted based on his published research and hackathon judging.
Sharanarthi applied in August 2025 and received approval in 12 business days.
The O-1 visa process has a 94.6% approval rate in 2024, emphasizing the importance of networking and passion.

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Story summary

Tanush Sharanarthi, a 26-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, India, secured an O-1 visa after six years in AI.
He faced three unsuccessful attempts in the H-1B visa lottery.
The O-1 visa, requiring proof of extraordinary ability, was granted based on his published research and hackathon judging.
Sharanarthi applied in August 2025 and received approval in 12 business days.
The O-1 visa process has a 94.6% approval rate in 2024, emphasizing the importance of networking and passion.