Business Insiderยท2025-09-21 18:42Group 1 - The H-1B visa lottery system is not merit-based, with approximately 85,000 spots available each year, including 20,000 reserved for master's degree holders, leading to low odds of selection [2][12] - The O-1 visa is an alternative for individuals with extraordinary capabilities, requiring applicants to meet at least three out of eight eligibility criteria [3][4] - The applicant had significant contributions in artificial intelligence, including published work, judging hackathons, and reviewing papers, which aligned with the O-1 requirements [4][14] Group 2 - The applicant transitioned from an F-1 visa for master's studies to an OPT, allowing temporary work authorization in the US for three years, coinciding with H-1B application attempts [6][11] - The O-1 visa application process involved a premium processing service, with a decision expected within 15 business days, leading to a successful approval after 12 days [15][16] - Networking and passion for the field are crucial for O-1 visa seekers, as knowledge about the visa often comes from connections within the industry [18][19]