O-1 Visa: New Route To US Gaining Popularity Among Indians; All You Need To Know

Last Updated:June 28, 2025, 08:28 IST

The O-1 visa, a US non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, is gaining popularity among Indian professionals in STEM, creative industries, and academia.

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As people from across the globe face several challenges to make it to the United States for work, the O-1 visa is gaining popularity among the professionals. The O-1 visa is a specialized US non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement.

It is fast becoming a preferred route to the US for Indian professionals too— especially those in STEM fields, creative industries, and academia. It is being touted as H-1B visa but “with no lottery system." Given its high success rate, the O-1 visa is now being seen as an alternative to the increasingly competitive H-1B visa.

What Is O-1 Visa?

The O-1 visa was introduced under the US Immigration Act of 1990 and is granted to individuals who can demonstrate exceptional talent or achievements in science, education, business, athletics (O-1A), or the arts and film. To qualify, applicants must meet at least three of eight criteria, which include awards, original contributions, published work, media coverage, and memberships in distinguished organizations.

The visa is gaining traction among Indian nationals — including cybersecurity experts, AI researchers, filmmakers, athletes, and digital content creators — who are looking for a direct and merit-based pathway to work and live in the U.S.

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