O-1 Visa: A Rising US Work Route for Indians
With H-1B visa competition increasing, the O-1 visa is gaining traction among Indian professionals in STEM, arts, and academia.
What Is It?
The O-1 is a US visa for individuals with exceptional talent, requiring proof of achievements like awards or published work.
Why It’s Popular
O-1 approvals for Indians rose to 1,418 in FY23, with a 93% success rate. It’s favored in AI, cybersecurity, and research fields.
Eligibility & Process
Applicants need a US sponsor, strong proof of talent (meeting 3 of 8 USCIS criteria), and must file Form I-129 at least 45 days before the job starts.
Cost
Total application costs range from $10,000–$30,000. Top firms and universities use this visa to recruit global talent.
O-1 vs H-1B
Faster approvals, no lottery, and high success make O-1 ideal for skilled Indians, especially those who missed the H-1B.
