In an insightful conversation, Tanush Sharanarthi, a 26-year-old software engineer from the Bay Area, shared the tribulations he faced while navigating the complex U.S. visa system. Employed at IBM for three years, Sharanarthi has attempted to secure an H-1B visa, a process he describes as akin to gambling at a casino.
Each year, the H-1B visa lottery selects around 85,000 applicants from a large pool, with an additional 20,000 spots reserved for those holding a master’s degree. Despite his qualifications, including a master’s in information systems and artificial intelligence from Johns Hopkins University, Sharanarthi’s name was not drawn in any of the three lotteries he entered. “It felt like I was playing the slots at Las Vegas,” he remarked, reflecting on the random nature of the selection process.
After the initial disappointment of his H-1B visa applications, Sharanarthi sought alternative options and learned about the O-1 visa, designed for individuals with “extraordinary” abilities in their fields. This visa has eight eligibility categories, requiring applicants to meet at least three. Sharanarthi found that he already fulfilled two of the criteria through his published work in artificial intelligence, along with his experience judging hackathons and reviewing academic papers—activities he was already engaged in as part of his professional life.
Originally hailing from Bangalore, India, Sharanarthi previously worked at Kimberly-Clark Corporation before pursuing his advanced degree in the United States. Entering the country on an F-1 visa during his studies, he later transitioned to Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allowed him to work for up to three years. Unfortunately, the three-year span of his OPT coincided precisely with his H-1B attempts, making each rejection particularly disheartening.
Despite the repeated disappointments of not securing an H-1B visa, Sharanarthi remained undeterred. He expressed that he continued to learn and contribute significantly to the field of artificial intelligence. The prospect of the O-1 visa appeared to him as a viable avenue to establish a long-term career in the U.S.
In late August, Sharanarthi submitted his application for the O-1 visa, eagerly checking the status every night as he awaited an update. During this time, he could only see “Processing” displayed on the application tracking site. After countless days of anticipation, he experienced a wave of relief on the 12th business day when he was finally greeted with the news that his application had been approved. “It took a lot of hard work, but it felt nice. Like I said, it felt like I was playing slots in Vegas. Only this time I won,” he noted.
Offering advice to others considering the O-1 route, Sharanarthi emphasized the importance of genuine passion for one’s field. He underscored that the journey took him nearly six years, combining work at Kimberly-Clark, his studies, and significant contributions at IBM. Building a network was also crucial; he noted that without engaging with like-minded professionals in Silicon Valley, he might not have learned about the O-1 visa opportunity.
Ultimately, Sharanarthi encourages aspiring O-1 applicants to focus on their passion for their work rather than merely seeking a visa. His story reflects the complexities that many skilled workers face in pursuit of their careers in the U.S., highlighting the need for resilience and dedication in the face of adversity.
