In the fall of 2023, I finally made my dream of moving to Los Angeles a reality—something I had envisioned for over a decade. But the journey to get there was anything but straightforward. After a lot of research, I settled on the O-1A visa, known for individuals with extraordinary abilities. I partnered with a company specializing in entrepreneur visas, and even though they provided solid support, the process was overwhelming.

Over the next 12 months, I was buried in paperwork, gathering recommendation letters, and navigating back-and-forth communication with attorneys. The total cost was $13,000, with no guarantee of success. The uncertainty and complexity of each step were exhausting, but I persevered and ultimately received approval, making LA my new home.

However, the experience left me with a burning question: Why does the process have to be so difficult? That’s when the idea for HeyVisa took shape. I realized many parts of the visa application are repetitive and ripe for automation. With the right technology, we could simplify and speed up the process for future applicants.