Latest news with #O-1A
News18
9 hours ago
- Business
- News18
O-1 Visa: New Route To US Gaining Popularity Among Indians; All You Need To Know
Last Updated: The O-1 visa, a US non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, is gaining popularity among Indian professionals in STEM, creative industries, and academia. As people from across the globe face several challenges to make it to the United States for work, the O-1 visa is gaining popularity among professionals. The O-1 visa is a specialized US non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement. It is fast becoming a preferred route to the US for Indian professionals too— especially those in STEM fields, creative industries, and academia. It is being touted as H-1B visa but 'with no lottery system." Given its high success rate, the O-1 visa is now being seen as an alternative to the increasingly competitive H-1B visa. What Is O-1 Visa? The O-1 visa was introduced under the US Immigration Act of 1990 and is granted to individuals who can demonstrate exceptional talent or achievements in science, education, business, athletics (O-1A), or the arts and film. To qualify, applicants must meet at least three of eight criteria, which include awards, original contributions, published work, media coverage, and memberships in distinguished organizations. The visa is gaining traction among Indian nationals — including cybersecurity experts, AI researchers, filmmakers, athletes, and digital content creators — who are looking for a direct and merit-based pathway to work and live in the U.S. 'O-1's Like H-1B Without A Lottery' The application cost for O-1 visas could range from $10,000 to $30,000. The Economic Times, citing official data from the US Department of State, reported that the number of O-1 visas granted has increased from 8,838 in FY20 to 18,994 in fiscal 2023. ET quoting Sahil Nyati, founder at Jinee Green Card—a US-based immigration consultancy advising on specialised visa categories— reported that 'O-1's like an H-1B without a lottery." 'There's definitely higher interest in O-1, simply because it's like an H-1B without a lottery, although it's not a piece of cake," ET quoted Sahil Nyati as saying. A Growing Trend Among Indian Talent Notably, the current demand of O-1 visa by professionals has positioned India as the third highest recipient country after Great Britain and Brazil, securing 1,418 O-1 visas in FY23, up from 487 in FY20, data showed. First Published:
Mint
20 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
What is O-1 visa? New entry scheme to United States gaining popularity among Indians
The O-1 visa, designed for individuals with "extraordinary ability" in fields like STEM, business, arts, and athletics, is rapidly gaining traction among Indian professionals as a reliable alternative to the H-1B visa. Established under the Immigration Act of 1990, the visa requires applicants to meet at least three of eight rigorous criteria, such as major awards, scholarly publications, or original contributions to their field, but offers significant advantages: no annual lottery or caps, a 93% approval rate, and initial validity for up to three years with unlimited extensions. Unlike the H-1B, which faces intense scrutiny and a 37% approval rate, the O-1 allows high-skilled talent to bypass systemic uncertainties, fueling its appeal. U.S. Department of State data reveals O-1A issuances surged from 8,838 in FY2020 to 18,994 in FY2023, with Indians driving much of this growth . Indian nationals are now the third-largest cohort of O-1A visa recipients globally, trailing only the U.K. and Brazil. In FY2023, Indians secured 1,418 O-1As—a staggering 191% increase from 487 in FY2020—as STEM graduates, AI researchers, entrepreneurs, and artists leverage this pathway. Major U.S. firms like Google, Tesla, and McKinsey actively sponsor O-1 talent, while universities like Harvard and Yale recruit Indian faculty through it. The AI boom has intensified demand, with companies funding credential-building initiatives: candidates are urged to publish research, speak at conferences, or file patents to strengthen applications. For example, Soundarya Balasubramani, a 28-year-old founder of educational venture The Curious Maverick, secured an O-1A as a solo entrepreneur, highlighting its accessibility beyond traditional employment . Despite costs ranging from $10,000–$30,000—10 times higher than H-1B fees—employers and applicants increasingly invest in the O-1 for its predictability. Immigration firms like Jinee Green Card report client rosters expanding from 60 to 300 amid soaring demand, particularly from Indians rejected in multiple H-1B lotteries. While O-1A issuances (22,669 in FY2024) remain dwarfed by H-1B approvals (225,957), they grow at nearly 10% annually. Experts attribute this to the visa's flexibility: it requires no minimum salary or formal degree, accepts evidence like international awards or media coverage, and processes some petitions in as little as 10 days. As U.S. tech talent wars escalate, the O-1 represents both a lifeline for elite Indian professionals and a strategic tool for companies securing "extraordinary" global talent .
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
How O-1 visa is talented Indians new route to the American Dream
US is tightening scrutiny around the traditional H-1B visa pathway making the process unpredictable due to lotteries and caps. Now the skilled Indian professionals are turning towards the O-1 visa a lesser known route. As reported by The Economic Times, Indian professionals are going for O-1 visas which is a specialised non-immigrant visa for individuals with 'extraordinary ability' in fields like STEM, arts, business, and sports. After the unpredictable nature of popular H-1B visa, the O-1 visa is gaining a lot of traction among Indians who wish to go and work in the US. As per the report by Economic Times, Indian were granted 487 O-1A visas in FY 2020, this number was increased to 1,418 in FY 2023. With this increase, India became the third largest recipient of O-1 visa after UK and Brazil. The O-1 Visa is introduced under the Immigration Act of 1990. The Visa has total eight criterions and the applicants are required to fulfil at least three of them. These criterions include demonstration of national and international acclaim. These include published work, awards, original contributions, and media coverage. While the process of O-1 visa is difficult and it's cost can range from $10,000 to $30,000, but its approval rate is 93% much higher than 37% for H-1B visa. The ET report also mentions entrepreneurs like Soundarya Balasubramani, who launched an educational venture in the U.S., are among the new wave of Indian applicants using the O-1 to bypass the H-1B bottleneck. 'I got my O-1A approved as the solo founder and 100% owner of an educational venture,' she told ET. The report also adds that companies like Google, Tesla, OpenAI are using the O-1 visa route to tap Indian talent and are also encouraging potential candidates to publish research or attend conferences to strengthen their application.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘Like H-1B without a lottery': What is O-1 visa? New route to US becomes popular among Indians; check details
Immigration advisers in the US are witnessing an unexpected increase in O-1A visa applications. O-1 visa is the new go to solution for individuals looking to work in the US. The O-1 visa route is gaining popularity among various professionals, including qualified STEM graduates, cybersecurity specialists, researchers, artists, filmmakers, athletes, authors and digital content creators, all pursuing their aspirations in America. And, companies are increasingly supporting this visa category, investing substantial resources to sponsor deserving candidates. According to visa advisers, organisations are actively encouraging applicants to enhance their credentials through academic publications, authoring books and participating in conferences. Immigration advisers in the US are witnessing an unexpected increase in O-1A visa applications and are expanding their operations by guiding clients through this relatively unfamiliar route. What is an O-1 visa? The O-1 visa is a specialised non-immigrant visa category in the United States, designed for individuals who demonstrate remarkable achievements in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. Also Read | Not just Apple iPhones! Android smartphone makers like Samsung, Motorola step up exports from India to US; move due to Trump's tariff policies According to Sahil Nyati, founder at Jinee Green Card, the O-1A is like an H-1B visa without lottery. "There's definitely higher interest in O-1A, simply because it's like an H-1B without a lottery, although it's not a piece of cake," Nyati told ET. Jinee Green Card is a US-based immigration consultancy advising on specialised visa categories. The Immigration Act of 1990 established the non-immigrant visa category with eight qualifying requirements, requiring applicants to meet a minimum of three conditions, according to the ET report. The fees associated with O-1A visa applications typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000. Statistics from the US Department of State reveal that O-1A visa issuance increased from 8,838 in FY 20 to 18,994 in fiscal 2023. The data indicated that Indian nationals received 1,418 O-1A visas in FY23, rising from 487 in FY20, positioning India as the third-highest recipient country after Great Britain and Brazil. Official data from the US State Department indicates that O-1A visas maintain a 93% success rate, whilst H-1B applications achieve only 37% approval. The O-1A classification operates without any limits or lottery systems. Technology firms seeking to secure and maintain skilled international workers are increasingly recognising this trend. The artificial intelligence surge in the United States has intensified competition for talent, creating increased opportunities for international PhD researchers and skilled professionals. Many are finding the O-1A visa classification provides an easier entry route to the United States. Rising share "Companies like Google, OpenAI, Tesla, McKinsey are among those open to recruiting promising new talent from India and attracting well established players in their fields to their US headquarters. While top universities like Harvard, Yale and Columbia are always looking to hire the best faculty and researchers globally," states Aslam Ahmed, Partner, Singhania & Co according to the ET report. O-1 visa vs H1-B visa The O-1 visa numbers remain modest compared to H-1B allocations. Official data shows 225,957 H-1B approvals in fiscal 2024, whilst O-1A visas stood at 22,669. However, whilst H-1B applications show a downward trajectory, O-1A applications maintain an annual growth rate of approximately 10%. According to Ahmed, sponsoring an O-1A visa costs roughly ten times more than an H-1B, which ranges from $970 for small businesses to $7,775 for larger organisations seeking premium processing. Legal consultation fees contribute an additional $2,000-$5,000. O-1A visa applications, by comparison, require between $10,000 to $30,000, with solicitor fees comprising the bulk of expenses. Nevertheless, both organisations and applicants continue to invest substantial amounts in these applications. According to Ahmed of Singhania & Co, IBM Research frequently sponsors visa applications for Indian researchers who hold numerous patents. "Filing and coming up with an industrially useful patent though, is a very difficult and challenging task," he added. O-1 visa Candidates who were unsuccessful in three H-1B lotteries and recent university graduates are becoming more knowledgeable about the O-1 visa option, according to Jinee's Nyati, who is expanding clientele from 60 to 300. Also Read | 'Anti-worker move to downsize...': TCS policy to cap bench time, 225 mandatory billing days slammed; here's what All India IT employees' union said "Under the O1-A category, STEM professionals are focussing on upskilling in areas like cybersecurity, publishing research, and speaking at conferences. Meanwhile, under the O-1B, which is for people in arts, we recently secured a visa for a Bollywood producer who has been in the business for 10 years," he said. Prachi Shah, founder & managing attorney at Prachi Shah Law was quoted as saying that her firm obtained an O-1A visa for an entrepreneur in just 10 days by developing an application that demonstrated potential benefits to the US economy. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Shadowfax preps IPO filing; O-1A over H-1B
Shadowfax preps IPO filing; O-1A over H-1B Also in the letter: Shadowfax to file IPO papers under confidential route Key details: Shadowfax's IPO is expected to be Rs 2,000–2,500 crore in size. Fresh capital is expected to form half of the proceeds. Shadowfax is eyeing a valuation of Rs 5,500–6,000 crore, subject to market conditions. ICICI Securities, JM Financial and Morgan Stanley are bankers for the issue. Use of proceeds: Shadowfax, at a glance: Quick commerce and hyperlocal deliveries contribute 25–30% of Shadowfax's revenue, a share expected to rise to 35–40%. The remainder comes from ecommerce and D2C logistics, particularly same-day deliveries. Clients include Nykaa, Ajio, Flipkart, and Meesho. Shadowfax is also a key logistics partner for the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). JSW One eyes public listing in 18–24 months IPO momentum: JSW One, at a glance: Founded in 2020 by Sachdeva and JSW Group scion Parth Jindal, JSW One handles 2.4 million metric tonnes of steel annually, accounting for about 1.6% of India's total steel supply. It currently processes a monthly gross merchandise value (GMV) of Rs 1,400 crore. Revenue rose 4.2x to Rs 1,421.9 crore in FY24, up from Rs 338.8 crore a year earlier. However, net losses widened to Rs 277 crore from Rs 83.8 crore, according to Tracxn data. The company entered the unicorn club earlier this year after raising Rs 340 crore from Principal Asset Management, OneUp and JSW Steel, valuing it at $1 billion. Also Read: Pine Labs files for IPO with Rs 2,600 crore fresh issue; Peak XV, PayPal to pare stakes Who is selling? Also Read: O-1 for the books! Elite talent finds new route to US What is O-1A visa? Pros & cons: Versus H-1B: Cost: O-1A applications range from $10,000–$30,000. H-1Bs are more affordable, starting at $970, but legal fees can increase to $7,775 with premium processing. Attorney fees add $2,000–$5,000. O-1A applications range from $10,000–$30,000. H-1Bs are more affordable, starting at $970, but legal fees can increase to $7,775 with premium processing. Attorney fees add $2,000–$5,000. Popularity: While 225,957 H-1B visas were approved in FY24, just 22,669 O-1As made the cut. But the latter is growing fast, clocking nearly 10% annual growth. While 225,957 H-1B visas were approved in FY24, just 22,669 O-1As made the cut. But the latter is growing fast, clocking nearly 10% annual growth. Approval rate: O-1As enjoy a 93% approval rate. H-1Bs offer just 37%. Also Read: Nykaa eyes Rs 6,000 crore GMV from in-house brands by FY30; ramps up fashion, AI bets Fashion bet: Quote, unquote: Beauty engine: Also Read: AI play: Other Top Stories By Our Reporters ShopOS raises funds from Binny Bansal: Raphe mPhibr valued at $900 million after fresh raise: Google, Meta at loggerheads over age verification: Global Picks We Are Reading Happy Friday! Logistics firm Shadowfax is set for a confidential IPO filing in a month. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch.■ Nykaa's roadmap■ ETtech Done Deals■ Age verification conundrum(L-R), Vaibhav Khandelwal, Praharsh Chandra, Gaurav Jaithliya & Abhishek Bansal, cofounders, ShadowfaxLogistics startup Shadowfax is poised to confidentially submit draft papers for its IPO to market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), within a month, according to multiple sources. It will join companies like PhysicsWallah Groww , and boAt , all of which have chosen the confidential Rs 1,000–1,100 crore from the primary issue will be used to expand the company's quick delivery offerings, a person familiar with the plan told Sachdeva, CEO, JSW OneJSW One Platforms, the business-to-business (B2B) ecommerce venture of the JSW Group, is planning to go public within 18–24 months as it aims to break even this financial year, CEO Gaurav Sachdeva, told us in an company joins other industrial commerce players, including Zetwerk, and OfBusiness, in preparing for the public Rau, CEO, Pine LabsMerchant payment processor Pine Labs has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with Sebi, aiming to raise Rs 2,600 crore through a fresh issue and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 147.8 million offloading shares include Peak XV Partners, Temasek, PayPal, Mastercard, Invesco, Actis, and Madison India. Cofounder Lokvir Kapoor will also sell a portion of his stake. The company is also planning a Rs 520 crore pre-IPO the H-1B visa becoming increasingly unreliable, a growing number of ambitious professionals are turning to the O-1A visa to chase their American too, are taking notice. Many are now willing to invest heavily in sponsorships, urging candidates to bolster their profiles by publishing research papers, authoring books, and attending under the Immigration Act of 1990, the O-1A is a temporary, nonimmigrant work visa for individuals of exceptional ability in science, education, business, arts, athletics, motion pictures, or television. Applicants must meet at least thee of the eight specific criteria to qualify.'There's growing interest in O-1A because it avoids the H-1B lottery,' said Sahil Nyati, founder of US-based immigration consultancy Jinee Green Card. 'Although it's not a piece of cake.'Falguni Nayar, CEO, NykaaNykaa is targeting Rs 6,000 crore in gross merchandise value (GMV) from its in-house brands by FY30, nearly tripling from Rs 2,100 crore in FY25. The omnichannel beauty and fashion seller shared the goal during its 2025 investor a muted performance over the past few quarters, Nykaa aims to grow its fashion vertical three to four times over the next five years. It has also set a long-term Ebitda margin target of 10% for the segment.'Even in a cautious macro, we've continued to grow with discipline and purpose. Beauty remains a powerhouse, our B2B play is scaling well, and we see recovering momentum in fashion,' said Falguni Nayar, executive chairperson, founder and CEO of beauty vertical, still Nykaa's biggest revenue engine, is expected to grow at a steady mid-20% rate. Growth will be driven by deeper digital discovery, an expanding premium portfolio, and continued investment in omnichannel is positioning itself as an AI-native company, with over 40 generative AI initiatives in the pipeline. It expects AI to generate over half its internal code and handle the majority of customer interactions via voice and Bansal, cofounder, Flipkart with ShopOS founders Sai Krishna VK (left) and Ajay PVThe Flipkart cofounder invested $20 million in the startup, developing an AI-native operating system for global ecommerce brands to automate the creation, management, and marketing of products across various mPhibr, a drone manufacturing startup, has raised $100 million in an equity funding round led by Silicon Valley investor General giant Google and social media major Meta recently reiterated their differences on how to verify the age of child users on digital platforms — the latter has suggested using app stores, a motion the former has warned against.■ Peter Thiel and the Antichrist ( The New York Times ■ The Trump Phone no longer promises it's made in America ( The Verge ■ AI agents are getting better at writing code—and hacking it as well ( Wired
