0 to 1 From O-1 Visa to Startups: A Guide for International Students & Founders in the US
Aug 22, 2025
Soundarya Balasubramani, an author and entrepreneur who founded Unshackled, sheds light on the difficult realities faced by international students in the U.S. She shares her personal journey from O-1 visa denial to success, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in the process. The conversation dives into how the O-1 visa compares to the H-1B, the value of networking, and the supportive community created through Unshackled. Soundarya also discusses the impact of her writings, including her upcoming book A Thousand Days of Love, focusing on love, ambition, and personal growth.
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Unshackled Grew From A Viral Post
- Unshackled began from a LinkedIn post that went viral, a Kickstarter that raised ~$50k, and a $50k grant that followed.
- The project evolved from a book idea into a paid community and large newsletter audience.
Who The O-1 Visa Actually Helps
- The O-1 is a non-lottery temporary work visa for people 'at the top of their field' and is renewable indefinitely.
- It differs from H-1B by lacking a wage floor and lottery, making it useful for founders and atypical hires.
From O-1 Denial To Approval
- Soundarya's first O-1 application (O-1B) was denied because of category choice and weak narrative.
- The successful reapplication used more evidence, clearer storytelling, and a better visa category (O-1A).
