Tanush Sharanarthi Wins ‘Einstein Visa’ After Three H-1B Failures
UPDATE: Tanush Sharanarthi, a 26-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, India, has successfully obtained the prestigious O-1 visa, commonly referred to as the “Einstein visa,” after facing three consecutive rejections for an H-1B visa. This significant achievement comes as a beacon of hope for many skilled professionals navigating the challenging U.S. immigration landscape.
Sharanarthi’s journey was fraught with uncertainty as he attempted to secure an H-1B visa for three years. The lottery system for this visa, which selects approximately 85,000 applicants annually, left him feeling powerless. “It felt like I was playing the slots at Las Vegas,” he remarked, highlighting the randomness of the selection process. Despite holding a master’s degree, the odds were not in his favor.
After his initial setbacks, Sharanarthi learned about the O-1 visa, designed for individuals with “extraordinary ability.” With six years of contributions in the field of artificial intelligence, he realized he met several eligibility criteria, including published work and judging hackathons.
Originally from Bangalore, Sharanarthi’s professional journey began at Kimberly-Clark Corporation before he pursued a master’s degree in information systems and artificial intelligence at Johns Hopkins University. Following his studies, he worked under an OPT program, which allowed him temporary work authorization in the U.S.
The disappointment of missing out on the H-1B visa was palpable for Sharanarthi, but he remained focused on his contributions to the tech industry. “I didn’t want to let it get to me. I felt like I was learning and contributing a lot here,” he stated. His determination ultimately led him to apply for the O-1 visa in late August 2023, taking the necessary steps to ensure a successful application.
After weeks of anticipation, Sharanarthi checked his application status every night, anxiously waiting for updates. On the 12th business day, relief washed over him as he discovered his application had been approved. “It felt nice. Like I said, it felt like I was playing slots in Vegas. Only this time I won,” he shared.
Sharanarthi’s story serves as an inspiration for others seeking the O-1 visa. He emphasizes the importance of genuine passion in one’s field, stating, “If you’re focused on your field and passionate about it, you’ll naturally start to meet the criteria.” Networking played a crucial role in his success, with Sharanarthi crediting connections in Silicon Valley for guiding him through the visa process.
As the demand for skilled labor in technology continues to surge, Sharanarthi’s experience sheds light on the complexities of U.S. immigration for professionals in high-demand fields. His triumph is not just a personal victory but also a significant milestone for aspiring tech workers facing similar challenges.
For those considering the O-1 visa, Sharanarthi advises against pursuing it solely for the visa itself. “Be passionate about your field and contribute to it. The rest follows,” he concluded.
Stay tuned for more updates on immigration policies and success stories from the tech industry.
