Indian National Secures US Work Visa After Three H-1B Lottery Rejections

What Happened

Sohan Sethi, a 29-year-old Indian national working in data analytics and AI at a healthcare company in Chicago, faced multiple rejections from the H-1B visa lottery. After being unsuccessful in the lottery three times, he pursued and obtained an O-1 visa, which allows individuals with extraordinary ability to work in the United States. Sethi's O-1 visa was approved in June 2026.

Background

Sethi, originally from Mumbai, moved to the US in January 2022 to pursue a master's degree at the University of Illinois Chicago. He completed his studies in May 2023 and began working as a senior business analyst, later being promoted to manager of analytics and reporting. His immigration status remained uncertain as he awaited selection in the H-1B lottery. Following his second H-1B rejection in April 2025, he began preparing his O-1 visa application in June 2025, nearly a year before his Optional Practical Training (OPT) was set to expire. His third H-1B rejection occurred in March 2026, leaving him with approximately 100 days before his STEM OPT expired on July 5, 2026. He filed his O-1 petition in April 2026.

Key Facts

• Sohan Sethi, a 29-year-old Indian national, was rejected from the H-1B lottery three times.
• He secured an O-1 visa, which is not lottery-based and requires proof of extraordinary ability.
• Sethi spent approximately $13,000 on lawyer fees and supporting evidence for his O-1 visa application.
• He works in data analytics and AI at a healthcare company and was promoted to manager of analytics and reporting.
• His O-1 visa was approved in June 2026.
• Sethi moved to Chicago in January 2022 for his master's degree at the University of Illinois Chicago.
• His STEM OPT was set to expire on July 5, 2026.