After navigating the intricate U.S. visa system for 14 years, an Indian researcher has recounted his journey to becoming a permanent resident in the United States. Rajavasanth Rajasegar detailed his experience in a LinkedIn post, reflecting on the challenges, milestones, and crucial support he received throughout this prolonged process. He expressed his joy, stating, “Green card in hand — after 14 years, the visa clock has finally stopped ticking.”
Rajasegar’s journey began in August 2011 with an F-1 student visa for his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). His path included renewals of his F-1 visa, Optional Practical Training (OPT) with a STEM extension, and eventually securing an H-1B visa, even with an exemption during the pandemic. He later transitioned into a faculty position.
The researcher acknowledged the significant institutional support he received, including seven years of fully funded graduate education at UIUC and five years of postdoctoral training at Sandia National Laboratories. Since January 2024, he has been a tenure-track faculty member at the Colorado School of Mines. He credits these opportunities to the support of U.S. institutions, mentors, and research programs.
Despite this support, the visa process was marked by persistent uncertainty. Rajasegar recalled deciding to pursue the EB1A visa category, preparing for the possibility of seeking opportunities elsewhere if denied. The process was not without its hurdles, including an unexpected Request for Evidence (RFE) questioning the relevance of his work and subsequent rounds of documentation and approvals. After a two-year adjustment period, numerous documents, and a final minor hitch with entering the U.S. on an H-1B visa post-approval, he finally secured his permanent residency, which involved a brief trip to Mexico.
He also highlighted the role of mentors and his professional community in his journey. He shared a memory from February 2020 when he inquired about starting the H-1B process. Months later, he received the visa along with a supportive note. Mentors who believed in the importance of his work facilitated an exception for his H-1B stamping, though the ticking visa clock remained a constant concern until his green card was finally approved.
Reflecting on this achievement, Rajasegar stated that the absence of the ticking clock signifies a significant and welcome change. He expressed his hope that the ‘American Dream’ remains attainable for students and professionals who contribute to the country’s future. He concluded by extending his gratitude to UIUC, Sandia National Labs, Colorado School of Mines, and all the mentors and recommenders who supported his endeavor.