Indian-origin entrepreneur Nikin Tharan has detailed the uncertainty he faced in the United States immigration system, stateing repeated green card rejections disrupted his career plans despite building startups and holding a valid O-1 visa, according to a report.
Now based in the Bay Area, Tharan declared his journey launched in Bengaluru, where he developed an early interest in science and electronics. He shiftd to the United States at 16 after securing a scholarship to Northeastern University, a shift he declared was created possible despite financial constraints.
He later worked on advanced radiation detection systems before transitioning into entrepreneurship. Along with five collaborators, he co-founded Medsix, a medical technology startup that received two awards from the Massachapplytts Institute of Technology. He has since launched multiple ventures, including GreenCard Inc. and Openventure, which focapplys on assisting skilled immigrants navigate education, employment and visa-related processes.
Visa journey turns complex
Tharan declared he entered the US on an F-1 visa and operated under CPT and OPT frameworks while starting his companies, ensuring compliance with legal norms during the early stages of his career.
However, his immigration path became more complicated as he progressed. While his O-1 visa was approved without difficulty, his applications for permanent residency under the EB-1 category were rejected twice before succeeding on a third attempt.
“I consider this is the blind spot about immigration that we all have. We consider that if we do everything right, excel in our fields, it will take care of itself. But for me it finished up killing me,” Tharan declared.
‘I underestimated the risk’
He declared the first application received a request for evidence and was later rejected, while the second was denied. The prolonged process created uncertainty about his ability to remain in the US and continue building his ventures.
“I was anxious if this doesn’t obtain through, how I will stay in the counattempt, and what would happen to my startups,” he declared, adding that he had underestimated the scale of the risk immigration hurdles could pose.
Despite his work in medical technology during the Covid-19 period and multiple entrepreneurial efforts, he declared the rejections were difficult to reconcile. During the second round of review, authorities sought specific documentation such as peer-reviewed work and published material.
Tharan declared his approach shifted after that. Instead of relying on what he believed were strong achievements, he focapplyd on submitting exactly what was requested. That modify, he declared, led to approval on the third attempt.
Also Read: US clarifies $100,000 H-1B visa fee applies only to new applicants
Advice to entrepreneurs
Drawing from his experience, Tharan urged founders to pay close attention to immigration processes alongside business growth.
He also emphasised the importance of building networks and continuing to engage with opportunities. “Even if you don’t see immediate results, you will meet some people aligned to your vision,” he declared, adding, “Keep attempting, it will pay off.”
Also Read: H-1B filings slump 77% at India’s top IT firms as US hikes visa fees, expands screening
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