Countless professionals worldwide find the US visa application process resembles an endless riddle, characterized by setbacks, ambiguity, and mountains of documentation. However, an Indian-American technology expert who experienced these challenges firsthand is now leveraging artificial intelligence to address these issues.

Priyanka Kulkarni, a machine learning researcher who previously held a position at Microsoft, has established Casium, an AI-driven company designed to streamline and expedite employment-related immigration procedures. Her objective is both bold and personally motivated: to introduce efficiency, precision, and clarity to a framework frequently denounced for being sluggish, perplexing, and erratic.

Casium transforms the complex web of hand-processed documents and obsolete spreadsheet systems into an electronic platform that handles visa case administration automatically, covering everything from document assembly to legal examination. The system seeks to enhance immigration processing speed, provide transparency, and reduce reliance on expensive legal services.

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This startup has launched during a period when US corporations are dealing with evolving immigration regulations and increasing visa costs. Following the Trump administration's executive directive suggesting a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, there has been growing industry-wide interest in technology-driven efficiency solutions.

When Necessity Fueled Ideation

Priyanka's transformation from a corporate employee to a business founder stems from her own experiences. She started her professional journey at Microsoft after being recruited directly from university through an H-1B visa, which enables American businesses to hire international talent for specialist positions. During her time at Microsoft, Priyanka worked for 10 years as a machine learning scientist, contributing to the development of artificial intelligence strategies for corporate software solutions such as Microsoft Office.

Following nearly a decade on temporary work authorization, Priyanka chose to take charge of her circumstances. Upon her acceptance into Seattle's AI2 Incubator, a program recognized for fostering influential AI companies, she promptly pursued an EB-1 visa, commonly referred to as the "Einstein visa" for people demonstrating exceptional capabilities. Despite her strong credentials, the application process proved challenging. She spent three months working with legal professionals to gather all required documentation.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, she stated, "Everything I've done has culminated to this point." This led to the creation of Casium, a company that merges her extensive technical knowledge with her firsthand understanding of being an immigrant working through America's intricate immigration framework.

Simplifying the Immigration Service Model

The procedure starts with candidates completing a straightforward intake questionnaire through the online platform. Casium's specialized artificial intelligence technology then activates smart "agents" that systematically examine publicly available information sources, such as academic papers, patent filings, and career profiles, to create a thorough assessment of the applicant's qualifications and professional background.

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In just a few minutes, the program generates an extensive profile detailing possible visa options. This analysis is subsequently evaluated by certified immigration lawyers and legal assistants working with Casium, who suggest the most appropriate visa type—whether H-1B, O-1, or EB-1A (commonly known as the Einstein visa).

Through a single click, the platform can create a preliminary legal correspondence that summarizes the candidate's credentials and explains qualification requirements. Tasks that previously required months of hands-on effort and extensive coordination with legal professionals can now be completed within two weeks.

This technology-focused methodology not only cuts down on processing time and expenses but also guarantees improved precision and regulatory adherence, reducing the likelihood of visa denials caused by documentation mistakes.

 

The Technology Framework Behind Casium

Casium has developed its technology while considering the unpredictable nature of immigration regulations. Priyanka remembers when the Trump administration issued an executive order suggesting an unprecedented $100,000 charge for each new H-1B visa application—a measure that surprised numerous employers.

This proposal led to legal challenges from prominent business groups, such as the US Chamber of Commerce, and highlighted the uncertain nature of the immigration landscape.

Consequently, Casium's system goes beyond mere convenience—it's constructed to assist employers and applicants in quickly adjusting to regulatory shifts while ensuring compliance without sacrificing time or missing opportunities.

Industry Acknowledgements

Casium rapidly gained recognition from investors and technology professionals alike. The organization has successfully secured $5 million in initial funding through a round headed by Maverick Ventures, alongside contributions from AI2 Incubator, GTMfund, Success Venture Partners, and individual investor Jake Heller, whose previous venture Casetext was purchased by Thomson Reuters in 2023.

Although Casium has yet to reveal its company valuation, its increasing momentum and positive initial feedback indicate the startup is well-positioned to significantly influence the immigration technology sector.

The platform pledges to provide employers with a more streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective approach to handling visa applications. For job seekers, it delivers transparency and confidence within a framework that has traditionally faced criticism for lacking openness.

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The Goal: An Immigration System that is Accessible, Clear and Equitable

Casium's ambitions reach far beyond streamlining documentation processes. Priyanka foresees a time when AI will be able to dynamically understand immigration regulations and modify submissions instantly, enabling organizations to maintain compliance as laws change.

The company additionally intends to broaden its services outside the US, investigating possibilities to streamline visa and residency procedures in other nations facing comparable administrative challenges.

Priyanka's overarching objective is to create an immigration system that is accessible, clear, and equitable for all individuals—resources she would have valued during her own immigration experience.