BREAKING: Tanush Sharanarthi, a 26-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, India, has just secured an O-1 visa, also known as the “Einstein visa,” after facing three rejections for the H-1B visa. This urgent development highlights the challenges many tech professionals face in the U.S. immigration system.
Sharanarthi’s journey underscores the struggle of international talent in the competitive tech landscape. After three years of applying for the H-1B visa, he realized the process was akin to a lottery, with only 85,000 spots available each year. Despite holding a master’s degree, the odds were stacked against him, leading to profound disappointment.
In a pivotal moment, Sharanarthi discovered the O-1 visa, designed for individuals with “extraordinary ability.” Armed with six years of research and contributions in artificial intelligence, he determined he met several eligibility criteria. “I had published work, judged hackathons, and reviewed papers,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of his professional achievements.
Originally from Bangalore, Sharanarthi worked at Kimberly-Clark before pursuing his master’s degree in information systems and artificial intelligence at Johns Hopkins University. He entered the U.S. on an F-1 visa and later transitioned to Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing him temporary work authorization to bolster his professional experience.
Feeling the weight of repeated H-1B failures, Sharanarthi remained undeterred. “It felt like playing slots in Las Vegas,” he shared, expressing the frustration of not winning. However, he redirected his focus towards the O-1 visa, where he believed his efforts would align with the stringent requirements.
He applied for the O-1 visa in late August 2023, opting for premium processing. Each day during the waiting period, he anxiously checked his application status, seeing only “Processing.” On the 12th business day, relief washed over him as he discovered his application had been approved.
“I felt a mix of emotions—relief and happiness,” Sharanarthi recounted. “It took a lot of hard work, but I finally won.” His success not only opens doors for his own career but also serves as a beacon for others navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration.
Now, Sharanarthi urges aspiring O-1 visa candidates to remain passionate about their fields. “The O-1 visa is called the Einstein visa for a reason. It takes time and effort,” he advised. His story emphasizes the importance of genuine contribution to one’s industry and the value of networking, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, Sharanarthi’s experience shines a light on the potential pathways available for talented professionals facing hurdles. His success story is a reminder that perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to significant breakthroughs.
This developing story serves not only as an inspiring tale for software engineers and tech enthusiasts but also highlights the critical need for reform in the U.S. immigration system to better accommodate the contributions of international talent.
