Entrepreneur's Immigration Struggles: The Surprising Truth Behind Green Card Rejections

An Indian-origin entrepreneur reveals the unexpected challenges of acquiring a green card in the US despite holding an O-1 visa and achieving startup success. Discover his journey and insights on navigating immigration hurdles.

Nikin Tharan, an entrepreneur of Indian origin residing in the US, has opened up about the challenges he faced in his immigration journey, which included two unsuccessful green card applications despite having an O-1 visa and establishing several successful startups. Now based in the Bay Area, Tharan reflects on his journey, which began in Bengaluru where he built tabla-playing robots as a teenager before moving to the US at 16 after earning a scholarship to Northeastern University. He initially worked in advanced radiation detection systems before diving into the startup ecosystem. Together with five colleagues, he co-founded Medsix, a medtech startup that garnered two awards from MIT. Tharan has also co-established several other ventures, including GreenCard Inc. and Openventure, a platform aimed at aiding high-skilled immigrants with admissions, housing, jobs, and visa processes. Looking back on his formative years, Tharan shared, “Growing up in Bangalore, I was fascinated by science and innovation, creating circuits and learning about chips and boards as a teen. My progressive parents recognized my advanced abilities and chose to homeschool me. Since I didn’t meet the age requirement for the traditional tenth-grade exam, I completed my IGCSE as a private candidate and then enrolled in grade 11 two years earlier.” His aspirations for studying abroad were initially hindered by financial limitations until the scholarship provided him the opportunity to pursue education

in the US. Tharan's career commenced on an F-1 visa, followed by participation in CPT and OPT programs while he launched his early businesses. He was meticulous about adhering to legal requirements during this period, even when registering his first company, MedSix. However, as his career advanced, his immigration situation became more complicated. Although his O-1 visa was swiftly granted, his green card applications under the EB-1 category faced repeated denials. “This highlights a blind spot in our understanding of immigration. We often believe that excelling in our fields will automatically lead to success, but it nearly cost me my career,” he remarked. He noted, “I realized that immigration obstacles cannot be overlooked as they can impact your entire career and financial stability.” Throughout this process, Tharan encountered numerous challenges. “I always had work authorization, but the green card application process was exhausting. My first application received a Request for Evidence (RFE) which led to a rejection, and the second was denied as well. It was only my third attempt that resulted in acceptance,” he recounted. He also described the anxiety stemming from the uncertainty of the situation. “I was worried about what would happen if my application failed—how I would remain in the country and the fate of my startups. I underestimated the significant risk this posed to my career and livelihood in the US.” Despite achieving notable professional milestones, including contributions to medical technology during the Covid-19 pandemic, his applications continued to face obstacles, leaving him bewildered. “In my second RFE, they specified what they were looking for. They wanted peer reviews, case studies, and published papers, despite my extensive experience in hackathons. I remember suggesting to my attorney that instead of providing what we deemed strong, we should just give them exactly what they requested,” he said. That change in approach ultimately contributed to the success of his third application. Now, Tharan encourages young entrepreneurs to remain persistent in networking and learning. “Even if immediate results aren’t visible, you’ll connect with people who share your vision,” he advised. He added, “Keep persevering; it will pay off.”

📝 Sobre este conteúdo Esta matéria foi adaptada e reescrita pela equipe editorial do TudoAquiUSA com base em reportagem publicada em Timesofindia . O texto foi modificado para melhor atender nosso público, mantendo a precisão factual. Veja o artigo original aqui.