&w=3840&q=100)
O-1 and 'Einstein visas': How Indians are trying to get the fastest entry into US
Since the Donald Trump administration is making it harder to get H1-B visas and other type of visas, Indians are now trying to admitted to the US via the O-1 visas and 'Einstein visas'. Reuters
The United States may be cracking down on immigration, but Indians aren't ready to give up just yet.
Since the Trump administration is making it harder to get H1-B visas and other type of visas, Indians are now trying to admitted to the US via two new routes – the O-1 visas and 'Einstein visas'.
But what do we know about these visas?
Let's take a closer look:
O-1 visa
Like the H1-B visa, the O-1 is a non-immigrant visa.
However, this visa is earmarked for those who display 'extraordinary abilities' in science, technology engineering, mathematics, arts, education, business or athletics.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
This visa was founded under the Immigration Act of 1990.
Unlike the H1-B visa, there is no cap to the O-1 visa.
The O-1 visa, which is initially granted for a three-year period, also has a 93 per cent approval rate.
It also can be extended indefinitely.
The H1-B visa, on the other hand, has an approval rate of just 37 per cent.
The O-1 visahas a 93 per cent approval rate compared to the H1-B visa, which is at just 37 per cent. Reuters
However, the O-1 visa application costs between $10,000 (Rs 8.55 lakh) and $30,000 (Rs 25.6 lakh) – which is 10 times more expensive than the H1-B visa.
In 2024, 22,669 visas were granted.
In 2023, 18,894 such visas were granted. This is over double the visas – 8,838 – granted in 2020.
Indians were allotted 1,418 such visas in 2023 – nearly triple the visas received, 487, in 2020.
Only citizens of the United Kingdom in Brazil received more such visas.
The visa does not require the applicant to have a minimum salary or a degree.
It can be processed in under two weeks.
All this explains why the O-1 visa, despite the exorbitant cost – is gaining popularity as an alternative to the H1-B visa.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
US firms such as Tesla, Microsoft and McKinsey are using the O-1 visa to recruit Indian talent.
As are prestigious schools such as Yale and Harvard to bring in faculty.
However, there are still far more H1-B visas (225,957) allotted.
'Einstein' visa
This visa is officially called the EB-1 visa.
Despite it being nicknamed the 'Einstein visa', the famed scientist Albert Einstein was not responsible for the creation of the visa.
The visa is given to individuals with 'extraordinary ability' who have received 'sustained national and international acclaim'.
This includes Pulitzer Prize winners, Oscar winners, those who have won Olympic medals, academic researchers and professors of international repute.
Extraordinary ability can be demonstrated by showing that one has
Nationally or internationally recognised prizes
Evidence of membership in associations that demand outstanding achievement of their members
Articles about them in major media
Asked to be on a panel to judge others
Proof of original contribution to the field
Proof of success in arts
Proof of your articles in media
Proof that your work has been put on display at artistic exhibitions or showcases
Proof of a leading or critical role in distinguished organisations
Proof of high salary in your field.
This is among the most difficult visas to obtain.
Incidentally, First Lady Melania Trump came to America on an 'Einstein visa'
First Lady Melania Trump received an 'Einstein visa' in 2001. File Image/AP
At the time, back in 2001, she was Melania Knauss, a model from Slovenia working in New York.
She also happened to be dating Donald Trump.
Melania was one of just five people in Slovenia who was approved for the EB-1 visa.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Indians broker and agents are now promising to get these visas for researchers and professors – for a price.
Such advertisements have even been put up on LinkedIn, which is raising the hackles of many within the field of academics.
Experts are worried that such incidents could tarnish India's hard won reputation in the field of science.
With inputs from agencies
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
19 minutes ago
- India Today
Vida VX2 electric scooter launched, price starts at Rs 59,490
Vida, Hero MotoCorp's electric mobility brand, has launched the new VX2 electric scooter, With prices starting at Rs 59,490 (ex-showroom).Two variants with Battery-as-a-Service optionThe VX2 is available in two variants, VX2 Go and VX2 Plus and introduces an Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. This allows customers to lease the battery instead of buying it outright, significantly reducing the upfront cost. Under this plan, the VX2 Go is priced at Rs 59,490 (ex-showroom) and the VX2 Plus at Rs 64,990 (ex-showroom). Without BaaS, the prices go up to Rs 99,490 (ex-showroom) for the Go variant and Rs 1,09,990 for the Plus (ex-showroom). advertisementBattery, range, and charging capabilitiesVida claims that the BaaS model brings down running costs to just Rs 0.96 per kilometre. As an added benefit, if battery performance drops below 70%, Vida will replace it free of charge during the subscription period. The VX2 Go features a 2.2kWh battery that delivers an IDC-certified range of up to 92km, while the VX2 Plus gets a larger 3.4kWh battery capable of up to 142km on a full charge. Both batteries are removable, offering flexible three-way charging options. Fast charging allows the battery to reach 80% in just 60 minutes. Using the standard 580W charger, a full charge takes about 3 hours and 53 minutes for the Go and around 5 hours and 39 minutes for the VX2 rides on 12-inch wheels, features a sleek, flowing design with a familiar Vida silhouette and comes in seven contemporary colour options, including exclusive shades for the Plus variant. The scooter gets a long, flat single-piece seat, a pillion backrest, and a practical front-mounted frunk for added utility. Underseat storage is generous, 33.2 litres in the Go variant and slightly less in the Plus due to its dual battery and featuresadvertisementIn terms of tech, both variants come equipped with cloud connectivity, remote immobilisation, turn-by-turn navigation, and real-time ride statistics via smartphone integration. The Go variant sports a 4.3-inch LCD display and offers two riding modes, Eco and Ride. The Plus variant upgrades to a 4.3-inch TFT display and includes an additional Sport mode. Both offer Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) updates, enhancing the experience over is backing the VX2 with India's largest EV ecosystem, which includes over 3,600 charging points and more than 500 sales and service centres. A comprehensive warranty of 5 years or 50,000 km further boosts customer confidence. The launch of the VX2 marks a significant milestone in Vida's mission to build not just electric vehicles but an ecosystem that empowers cleaner, smarter on the occasion, Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, said, "VIDA was born from a vision far greater than building electric vehicles—we set out to spark a movement. A movement that puts people and planet first, that redefines mobility as a force for good, and that gives every individual—not just the few—the opportunity to thrive, grow, and live better. VIDA means 'life'—and that is exactly what we aim to bring: cleaner air, better choices, and smarter journeys. A name that reflects our purpose—to drive meaningful progress and create a positive impact, not just in cities, but across every corner of Bharat and the world. On the birth anniversary of our Founder Chairman, Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, we renew our commitment to build a future that is smart, connected, and conscious. With the VIDA VX2 EVOOTER, we are not simply launching a product—we are delivering an ecosystem that empowers change. This is our promise: to make sustainable mobility widely accessible, to make our products highly affordable, and to always lead with trust, responsibility, and purpose. Backed by Hero MotoCorp's legacy, VIDA will power a better tomorrow—for everyone."Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
India Today
19 minutes ago
- India Today
US bill proposes 500% tariff on India, China over Russia business ties
A proposed US Senate bill, backed by President Donald Trump, could impose 500% tariffs on countries, including India and China, that continue trading with Russia, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said in an interview with ABC to ABC News, Graham stated, "If you're buying products from Russia, and you're not helping Ukraine, then there's a 500% tariff on your products coming into the United States. India and China buy 70% of Putin's oil. They keep his war machine going."advertisementThe bill is reportedly expected to be introduced in August, marking a significant escalation in US efforts to isolate Russia economically. If enacted, the bill could severely impact India and China, the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude. For India, the move also risks tariffs on exports like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT is a major buyer of Russian oil, and imported EUR 49 billion worth of crude oil in the third year of the Ukraine invasion. Traditionally, India sourced its oil from the Middle East, but began importing a large volume of oil from Russia soon after the invasion of Ukraine in February development also comes on the heels of the much-expected India-US bilateral trade agreement. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Tuesday that the trade deal is "very close", even as an Indian delegation continued discussions with US officials in Washington after trade talks hit a deadlock over key agricultural demands, sources told India proposed bill, co-sponsored by Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, reportedly has 84 co-sponsors and aims to pressure nations into halting Russian oil purchases, weakening "Moscow's war economy" and pushing it toward peace negotiations in told ABC News that Trump gave the green light during a golf game. "For the first time yesterday, the President told me I was playing golf with him. He says, 'It's time to move your bill.'"Originally proposed in March, the legislation faced delays after the White House signalled Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration had 'quietly pressured' the Senate to soften the bill by changing mandatory language ("shall") to discretionary ("may").Graham later reportedly proposed a carve-out for countries supporting Ukraine, likely to ease concerns among the US's European allies. "We are going to give President Trump a tool in the toolbox," Graham this bill becomes law, it may alter US's trade relationships with both China and India. Given that the US is India's primary export market, the policy could also trigger substantial economic repercussions and diplomatic tensions.- EndsTune InMust Watch
India Today
19 minutes ago
- India Today
Terrorist behind 2011 LK Advani Madurai pipe-bomb plot held after 30 years on run
Tamil Nadu's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested terrorist Abubacker Siddique, wanted in the 2011 pipe-bomb planting attempt during former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani's rath yatra in was traced to his hideout in Andhra Pradesh's Annamayya district after being on the run for 30 years, the police said on a native of Tamil Nadu's Nagore, was involved in multiple bomb blasts and communal murders across south India, according to the A reward of Rs 5 lakh had been announced for information leading to his arrest. Along with him, another fugitive, Mohammed Ali, also known as Yunus or Mansoor, from Tirunelveli, was also arrested. Ali had been absconding for 26 years.'They were involved in several bomb blasts and communal murders and had evaded arrest for three decades,' the police said in a statement. The arrests were made following a tip-off, with support from central intelligence agencies that had been tracking them for is an accused in several high-profile terror cases including the 1995 bomb blast at the Hindu Munnani office in Chennai, a parcel bomb explosion the same year in Nagore that killed Hindu right-wing activist T Muthukrishnan, and the 1999 coordinated bomb planting at the Chennai Police Commissioner's office, Egmore, and six other locations including Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore and parts of is also a suspect in the 2012 murder of Dr Arvind Reddy in Vellore and the 2013 bomb blast near the BJP office in Malleswaram, associate Mohammed Ali was wanted in connection with the 1999 bomb-planting incidents in Tamil Nadu and will be produced before a judicial magistrate and remanded, police said.- EndsTune InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
