An Indian-origin entrepreneur in the US has shared his challenging immigration journey, revealing how repeated green card rejections tested his career despite building successful startups.
Nikin Tharan, now a Bay Area-based founder, traced his path from a curious teenager in Bengaluru experimenting with electronics to launching multiple ventures in the United States.
However, alongside his professional success, he faced significant visa hurdles that nearly derailed his progress.
Tharan moved to the US at 16 after securing a scholarship to Northeastern University. He later worked in advanced radiation detection systems before entering the startup space.
Along with friends, he co-founded Medsix, a medtech startup that won recognition at MIT. He went on to launch other ventures, including platforms aimed at helping skilled immigrants navigate education, jobs, and visa processes.
Despite his achievements, his immigration journey proved far from smooth. While his O-1 visa was approved quickly, his green card applications under the EB-1 category were rejected twice.
Reflecting on the experience, Tharan said many people assume that professional success automatically ensures immigration stability.
“I thought doing everything right would take care of itself, but it didn’t,” he said, adding that immigration challenges can directly impact one’s career and financial stability.
He described the process as exhausting and uncertain. Even with valid work authorization, repeated requests for evidence (RFE) and rejections created anxiety about his future in the US and the fate of his startups.
It was only on his third attempt—after aligning his application closely with what authorities specifically asked for—that he finally secured approval.
Now, Tharan advises young founders to stay persistent and proactive. He emphasizes the importance of networking, continuous learning, and not underestimating immigration risks.
His journey highlights a harsh reality for many skilled immigrants: success in innovation and entrepreneurship does not always translate into a smooth immigration path.
