New Delhi, June 27 -- The O-1 visa, designed for individuals with "extraordinary ability" in fields like STEM, business, arts, and athletics, is rapidly gaining traction among Indian professionals as a reliable alternative to the H-1B visa.

Established under the Immigration Act of 1990, the visa requires applicants to meet at least three of eight rigorous criteria, such as major awards, scholarly publications, or original contributions to their field, but offers significant advantages: no annual lottery or caps, a 93% approval rate, and initial validity for up to three years with unlimited extensions.

Unlike the H-1B, which faces intense scrutiny and a 37% approval rate, the O-1 allows high-skilled talent to bypass systemic uncertaintie...