H-1B visa rejection three times pushed an Indian-origin tech professional Sohan Sethi to pursue an O-1 visa after compiling more than 700 pages of evidence and spending about $13,000 on the application process. H-1B visa rejection can create major uncertainty for Indian professionals seeking to build careers in the US. An Indian-origin data and analytics professional faced three H-1B lottery rejections before pursuing an alternative route to remain in the country. After the second rejection, he began preparing an O-1 visa application, which is designed for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field. He worked with immigration lawyers to document professional achievements, including media coverage, industry judging roles, awards, publications and recommendation letters. His legal team eventually compiled more than 700 pages of supporting evidence, while his total legal and application expenses reached around $13,000. His third H-1B rejection in March 2026 increased the urgency, as his STEM OPT was due to expire in July.The O-1 petition was eventually approved after additional documentation was requested. The case highlights the challenges Indian professionals can face when relying on the H-1B route and the importance of understanding alternative US visa pathways.
H-1B Visa Rejection: Indian Techie Turns to O-1 Visa
