Three H-1B rejections later, an Indian techie secures O-1 ‘extraordinary ability’ Visa
By February 2026, the Indian techie and his lawyers had compiled a massive portfolio consisting of more than 700 pages of supporting evidence. The gruelling preparation process cost him approximately ₹12 lakh in out-of-pocket legal fees.
In a tale of perseverance against all odds, an Indian technology professional named Sohan Sethi secured an O-1 visa after three consecutive rejections from the H-1B visa lottery. Facing the looming expiration of his student visa, Sethi shifted his focus to one of the most rigorous immigration pathways available—the O-1 visa, which grants extraordinary ability in an individual's field.
After graduating from the University of Illinois Chicago with a degree in computer engineering, Sethi embarked on a meticulous process to build a compelling O-1 profile, spending nearly $13,000 on legal fees. His strategy involved compiling over 700 pages of evidence, including professional achievements and accolades. After a tense waiting period, Sethi received approval for his O-1 visa, allowing him to continue working in the United States for the next three years.
Sethi now manages a healthcare analytics team in Chicago and shares his inspiring journey on LinkedIn to help other international students navigate the complexities of US immigration.
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