Saiman Shetty: Rewriting The Immigrant Dream, How A New Wave Of Startups Is Helping Talented Professionals

There is still hope for many talented professionals chasing the American dream, even if the path looks challenging. For many, especially those without widely recognized achievements,the U.S. immigration system can often seem overwhelming or difficult to navigate. This is especially true if you are Indian, stuck in the H-1B, EB-1A backlog, and being told your only option is to "wait your turn" for the next 15 years. But Once considered out of reach, these routes are now more accessible than ever with the right strategy.

Across this space, startups are emerging with unique methods to help professionals highlight their impact, recognition, and expertise without needing to be a global celebrity. These startups recognize that many candidates already meet the benchmarks for top immigration categories; they just need the right storytelling to showcase their impact, recognition, helping them align with what's needed.

Among them is Smart Green Card, one of several emerging tech and data-driven startups gaining attention for its customized, mentorship-based model. They act as a career catalyst to support talented individuals seeking alternatives to conventional immigration routes. What gives them an edge is their focus on professional visibility helping clients not just with documentation, but with public positioning, career elevation, and increasing their presence through media coverage.

Saiman Shetty, who is well known within this niche for his work, notes that the process is less about fame and more about clearly demonstrating professional contributions. “It’s not about being a celebrity. It’s about being able to show real-world impact and leadership,” he says. The team helps individuals explore how aspects of their career, such as recognition, or publications, could be communicated more effectively in contexts where such distinctions are considered.

Success stories from clients continue to surface. An IT architect from Hyderabad was able to bypass the EB-2 backlog and secure residency by showcasing the depth and impact of his work. A research analyst from Pune credits her mentorship experience for helping her win international awards and publish influential work in her field recognition that advanced both her application and her professional standing.

Take Keshav, a product manager from Hyderabad. He was stuck in the EB-2 backlog, facing layoffs, and had even received a Notice of Intent to Deny. He developed a strong case highlighting six key criteria, scholarly articles, judging work, industry awards, critical organizational roles, original contributions, and high compensation. His application was soon approved. “Thanks to the Smart Green Card team for their support and clarity throughout the process,” he shared on social platforms.

What makes these startups effective is not just their knowledge, but their focus on storytelling and personalized planning. Clients are often helped in finding opportunities to share their expertise, increase their professional visibility, and highlight their already existing key contributions.

Rather than offering cookie-cutter templates, these firms focus on personalized support, helping clients shape their journeys, highlight their strengths, and showcase their work more effectively and authentically. This often includes aligning their body of work with well-established benchmarks such as high salaries, original contributions, public recognition, and professional influence.

Of course, none of these journeys are easy. But what clients often report is a deep sense of clarity, confidence, and direction tools that stay with them long after the application process.

Some people wonder if it’s necessary to seek guidance at all. But when the process is unclear and the stakes are high, having informed support can make a meaningful difference. In fact, many clients say the biggest benefit is the personal growth and recognition that comes with the process.

From startup founders and engineers to researchers and designers, the demand for such guidance is growing. These startups are serving a wide range of professionals, those who may not see themselves as "extraordinary" at first but, through guided effort, come to recognize and showcase their value.

“Every case is a human story,” says Shetty. “And we treat it with the dignity and depth it deserves.”

As the global talent race accelerates, these startups aren’t just helping people navigate a system, they're helping reshape the very definition of professional excellence on a global stage.

About the expert: Saiman Shetty

Saiman Shetty is a founder and CEO with a background in engineering and a focus on U.S. immigration for high-skilled professionals. He founded Smart Green Card, a company that assists individuals with the EB-1A "Einstein Green Card" and other visa pathways.

Shetty's professional journey includes significant roles in the autonomous vehicle and robotics space at companies like Tesla, Lyft, and Nuro, where he worked on powertrain systems and self-driving technology. His personal experience of navigating the complex immigration system after a failed H-1B lottery application inspired him to create the Smart Green Card to help others. He is also a speaker and angel investor.