EB1- Vinod – Carnatic Musician – India
EB1- Carnatic Musician – Vinod
Vinod is a nationally and internationally recognized musician, performer and educator. He has composed several successful singles in the genres of pop, classical, acapella and jazz. He is a trained singer specializing in South Indian Classical or Carnatic Music. He was already working in the IT industry here in the U.S. but he knows that securing an EB-1 Green Card can open more opportunites for his love and passion for music. Check out Vinod’s “Shape of You” video.
Vinod has collaborated with artists globally from cities like Dubai, Toronto, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta etc.
As a well-recognized and accomplished performer that he is, we are so pleased to have secured an EB1 approval for him!
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Tell me about where you are from and a little bit about what you do.
I am originally from India, but have lived in the US for many years now in a student visa and then a work visa. I am a software user experience designer by profession, but also an Indian classical musician by training. I am a singer with over two decades of training and performance, focused primarily in South Indian classical (Carnatic) vocal music.
Vinod performing with other Indian singers at the Gaana Music Festival
How did you work your way up the ranks to reach your level and what were some of the challenges along the way.
Vinod singing at the Gaana Music Festival
Years of training and practice are definitely the two most vital activities that helped me sharpen my skills as a singer. Having won several contests and scholarships for music in India, once in the US, I collaborated with many performers across the globe, both in person and remotely. I also made innovative music for the digital world, that got me a large audience in the millions online. Finding opportunities to perform in big venues, prestigious festivals and world famous artists is always the challenge – but if you’re smart and build the right contacts, that can make a difference.
Have you ever lived in the US before? If so, under what circumstances? If not, what aroused your interest in a move to the US?
I came to the US as a Masters student and have been working as soon as I graduated.
How did you decide to pursue an EB1?
A friend of mine who received the same approval encouraged me to explore this option. Once I reached out to Ingram’s team (Angie and Gretta), they helped me understand what I had to achieve to meet the criteria for EB1. When they assessed I have a very good chance, that made it worth pursuing it.
Vinod is a renowned vocalist and musician with expertise in Carnatic music
What was your experience with the EB1 petition process?
I actually enjoyed it – it was a challenge I loved taking up, but all the more because Gretta was equally responsive and kept the process going. I knew it would take several months to understand the requirements, assemble the documentation and evidence and even pursue certain opportunities to demonstrate my talent, but to plan and execute all of this has actually been very fulfilling.
What were some of the challenges you had to work on in the preparation of your case, for example evidence gathering?
Biggest challenges were definitely gathering evidence. Sometimes, it took some effort to understand what kind of evidence would be most appropriate to meet a certain criterion. With sufficient examples from Gretta, I was able to work with her to put together a strong case.
Carnatic musician
What kind of relationship did/do you have Chris and his team?
I worked mostly with Gretta, and like I mentioned in my previous responses, she has been nothing short of a great team player in this journey, guiding me proactively, explaining the processes, the risks, the requirements and many times discussing and dissecting the not so obvious interpretations of the legal language. This helped us put together the most appropriate evidence.
What were you doing when you found out you were approved? What was your immediate reaction? How did/will you celebrate?
I was actually working on some original music, when I received Gretta’s email. I only felt “It’s about time! Good!” because I was very confident I’ll get it. This has been one of those special projects in my life that I’ve studied, planned and executed meticulously. I had a lot of clarity in the strength of my application and confidence that we’ll get a favorable outcome.
What are you looking forward to most about moving to the US?
I am already here, working, but on a work visa in the IT industry. I look forward to pursuing several opportunities in music where I can make a living as a musician and educator.
Vinod collaborated with Indian Idol Maalavika Sundar to sing his compositions
What will you miss the most about your home country?
Not too relevant I guess since I visit India almost every year. But I always miss my home town Chennai, its beaches, food and my family and friends.
What advice would you give to any immigrant considering an EB1 or who is already in the process?
Be patient, ask questions, and be very meticulous.
In order to qualify for an EB1 Green Card you need to be able to satisfy three from a list of ten categories. We’ve provided informative videos on each category for your kind perusal so please review them and get back to us if you feel we can help you.
Select Your 3 EB1 Categories
Checkout these EB1 green card categories below. If you can satisfy three categories, then you may just qualify for your green card. Good luck.
EB1 – Green Card – Checklist Summary
EB1 – One Time International Award
EB1 – Visa Award Nomination or Win
EB1 – Invited Memberships
EB1 – Publications About You
EB1 – Participation on Judging Panel
EB1 – Innovation or Invention
EB1 – Published Scholarly Articles
B1 – Exhibitions and Showcases
EB1 – Leading or Critical Roles
EB1 – High Salary or Remuneration
EB1 – Commercial Success in Arts
EB1 – Ok Let’s Get Started
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