Indian-origin entrepreneur Saiman Shetty has achieved US citizenship, marking the culmination of a challenging immigration journey that included losing the H-1B visa lottery and facing a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) probe.
From Student to Silicon Valley Entrepreneur
Shetty arrived in the United States in 2013 after completing his engineering degree from Visvesvaraya Technological University, later earning a master’s in electrical engineering from Arizona State University. As a first-generation immigrant, he built his career without an established network, working with major technology companies like Tesla, Lyft, and Nuro.
He later transitioned into entrepreneurship, co-founding ResumePuppy, a platform designed to assist technology professionals with job applications. His subsequent venture, Smart Immigration AI, aims to guide skilled immigrants through the complex US immigration process.
H-1B Setback and the EB-1A Path
Shetty's path to permanent residency was fraught with difficulties. He described facing significant debt, job rejections, and the pivotal moment when he failed to secure an H-1B visa through the lottery system. Rather than relying on employer sponsorship for another H-1B attempt, he explored the EB-1A visa category.
The EB-1A visa, often called the "Einstein visa," is an employment-based Green Card category for individuals demonstrating "extraordinary ability" in fields such as science, business, education, arts, or athletics. Crucially, it does not require an employer sponsor, allowing applicants to petition on their own behalf by providing evidence of exceptional achievements.
"That one decision gave me freedom, stability, and a mission. I realized: no one should have to go through this alone," Shetty shared, reflecting on his choice to pursue the EB-1A route.
USCIS Scrutiny and Vindication
Shetty faced another significant hurdle when his immigration platform reportedly drew complaints to US immigration authorities, leading to a USCIS investigation. He described this period as a test, stating, "A few jealous pricks decided I was a 'fraud' and built a neat little trap for me."
However, the investigation concluded without finding any wrongdoing, and the matter was closed in his favor, allowing his citizenship process to proceed.
Understanding the EB-1A Visa
To qualify for an EB-1A visa, applicants must provide extensive evidence of sustained national or international acclaim. This can include major awards, significant original contributions to their field, published work, judging the work of others, leadership roles, academic publications, or earning a significantly higher compensation than peers.
While globally recognized achievements like Nobel Prizes or Olympic medals offer automatic qualification, most applicants demonstrate a combination of several criteria to prove their extraordinary ability.
Shetty's successful transition from Green Card holder to US citizen underscores the resilience required for many skilled immigrants and highlights alternative pathways available beyond the highly competitive H-1B lottery.