This person just had their O1B visa approved—a big win after a long, demanding process. But right after that, they also got selected in the H1B lottery.
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Now the confusion begins. With the H1B filing deadline coming up fast, they’re unsure which path to follow.
The O1B is a sign of recognition—it means the U.S. sees their talent as exceptional. But it also means constantly proving that talent again and again, especially when it’s time to renew.
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H1B, on the other hand, offers a longer stay—up to six years—and is easier to extend. It also opens a clearer road toward permanent residency through its dual intent status.
But there’s a cost to that comfort. The H1B ties people to a single employer, making job changes slower and sometimes riskier.
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For someone in a creative or specialized field, that can feel limiting. The O1B gives more flexibility—freelance work, multiple gigs, side projects—but demands fresh achievements at every stage.
This situation isn’t just about choosing a visa. It’s about choosing a lifestyle: stability with limits, or freedom with pressure.
Some would say the H1B is the safer bet for long-term goals. Others might see more value in the independence that O1B allows.
What matters here isn’t just what looks easier today. It’s which path allows continued growth, peace of mind, and the kind of work that doesn’t burn out the soul.
