Indian professional Piyush Varanjani has been granted the prestigious US O-1 visa, which is reserved for individuals recognized as possessing “extraordinary ability” in their respective fields. The visa approval, he said, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.
“Got my O-1 approved! Time to build my own reality. After my mom, now it’s the US who thinks I am an individual of extraordinary ability,” Varanjani wrote in a post on X. “I first came to the US almost a decade ago with my harem pants and a fistful of dreams. A few months back, I left @stripe to go all in on AI, and now finally SF is the new home.”
Varanjani shared the news with a touch of humor, saying both his mother and the US government now consider him “extraordinary.”
What is an O-1 Visa?
The O-1 visa is a US non-immigrant visa granted to individuals with exceptional abilities in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics, as well as those with notable achievements in film and television.
Unlike the H-1B visa, the O-1 is not subject to annual caps, making it a highly sought-after option for high achievers. It allows recipients to work for sponsoring employers or agents and can serve as a pathway to permanent residency under the EB-1 category.
Applicants must demonstrate their extraordinary ability through evidence such as national or international awards, recognition in major media outlets, publication of scholarly work, membership in prestigious professional organizations, or original contributions of major significance.
