Understanding the O-1 Visa: A Path Less Traveled for Immigrant Founders

In this episode, hosts Aashna Doshi & Rayan Dabbagh sit down with Soundarya Balasubramani — author, entrepreneur, and founder of Unshackled, a community for immigrants in the U.S.

We explore the harsh realities international students face navigating U.S. immigration, from the uncertainty of job hunts to the broken pathways of the O-1 visa. Soundarya opens up about her own journey. Going from an O-1 denial, to finally securing approval, and the strategies she used to build a strong case.

She also shares why she started Unshackled, the impact of her books (Admitted, Unshackled, A Thousand Days of Love), and how she manages to juggle writing, entrepreneurship, and advocacy while living through the struggles she writes about.

Whether you’re an international student, thinking about grad school, or curious about the visa system that shapes global talent in the U.S., this episode is packed with hard truths, practical advice, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.