Tharak Vangalapat has spent more than 20 years working in the IT industry. He currently serves as a Senior Principal Data Scientist and Senior Director at a Fortune 500 company, specializing in generative AI, machine learning, and data science. After moving to the U.S. in 2015, he built his career across several leading companies before applying for an EB-1A Extraordinary Ability visa.
Q: How did you hear about Tukki?
T: One of my friends told me that my background fit the extraordinary ability category because of my experience, advanced degrees, and patents. He also recommended Dobrina Ustun (one of Tukki’s Lead Attorneys), and after speaking with her, she introduced me to Tukki.
Ever since I found Tukki, I haven’t felt there was a better choice.
“Ever since I found Tukki, I felt there was no better choice.” — Tharak
Q: How was your experience working with the team?
T: If I had to rate my experience, I would say it was outstanding. Tukki takes the time to build the right strategy instead of rushing the process. Every candidate is different, so the strategy is based on each person’s profile and the evidence they can provide.
Taking the time to do things strategically is much better than rushing and making mistakes.
“Every candidate is different, so the strategy is built around each individual.” — Tharak
Q: What stood out most to you about the platform?
T: I really liked the platform. The entire process is interactive, and communication is very efficient. I never felt like I had to constantly follow up or remind anyone.
I also liked the strategy, the document workflow, the sequencing of each step, and the review process.
“I love the tool the most because everything is interactive and well organized.” — Tharak
Q: How did you feel when you received the good news?
T: I felt very fortunate. I received my approval in just 10 days, which was something I never imagined.
I think that happened because we took the time to carefully review everything before filing. I give a lot of credit to the Tukki team, but I also give myself credit for deciding not to rush the process.
“More than speed, accuracy matters.” — Tharak
Q: Why do you think your case was successful?
T: At the end of the day, the decision is made by someone else, so it’s important to build the strongest case possible. Having a solid foundation matters much more than simply filing quickly.
I also want to give credit to Paula (one of Tukki’s Lead Attorneys), who worked with me throughout the six-month journey, Julia (one of Tukki’s Paralegals) who helped shape the strategy, and every member of the Tukki team who contributed to my case.
Q: What was it like sharing the news?
T: Surprisingly, the Tukki team was even more excited than I was. That made me very happy. I even told my wife that they celebrated the approval more than I did.
Maybe it’s just my personality, but seeing how excited the team was made the experience even more meaningful.
“The Tukki team was more excited than I was.” — Tharak
Q: What would you tell someone evaluating different options?
T: It’s not just about preparing documents. The strategy is what identifies the gaps in each candidate’s profile, and that’s what makes Tukki different.
The platform gives you clear, practical options instead of overwhelming you with unnecessary choices.
Everyone involved in the case, including the candidate, paralegals, attorneys, and coordinators, has visibility into the process, and the team is extremely responsive. I never had to wait more than a few hours for an answer.
“Using the Tukki platform for your immigration process is awesome.” — Tharak
Final thoughts
T: Tukki exceeded my expectations. The platform is structured, organized, and designed to help candidates succeed.
What impressed me the most was the team’s ability to understand each candidate’s profile and provide clear, personalized guidance on what works best for that specific case.
“The Tukki team understands each candidate's profile and gives the guidance that works best for them.” — Tharak