The Real Reason We Chose INDIA Over US After 10 Years of H1B Restrictions
Rabi spent 10 years in the US on H1B, faced visa denials, had job offers rescinded due to I-140 timing, and realized the green card wait is 150+ years for Indians. After COVID scattered his friend circle and loneliness set in, he chose India — for his kids' relationship with grandparents and a better quality of life.
The Real Reason We Chose INDIA Over US After 10 Years of H1B Restrictions
Rabi spent a decade in the US on H1B, navigating visa denials, job offer rescissions, and the harsh reality of a 150-year green card wait. When COVID scattered his friend circle and loneliness crept in, he made the decision to return to India — for his kids, his parents, and a life with more meaning than just a paycheck.
Key Highlights from Rabi's Journey
- Worked in the US for 10 years on H1B visa in big data and machine learning
- Experienced H1B visa denial and had to leave the US immediately
- Had a higher-paying job offer rescinded due to I-140 timing issues
- Green card wait time for Indians: 150-190 years — practically impossible
- Salary growth from $90K to $140K over 10 years — same purchasing power after inflation
- COVID triggered loneliness as friends moved away and got married
- Stayed 10 years to secure 40 Social Security credits for future benefits
- Internal transfer to India took about 3 months to complete
- Moved to Hyderabad with kids aged 4 and 2 for grandparent connection
- Now works from home with shifted hours (12-9 PM) — no commute stress
The Hard Truth About H1B: "Once we are on H1B, if one's goal is to go for a green card, the current wait time is about 190 or 150 years. Right now I would not recommend anyone to switch to US if their goal is to stay there and become a citizen." — Rabi's candid advice for those considering the US on H1B.
Why Rabi Went to the US
Rabi's journey to the US wasn't a carefully planned career move — it happened almost by chance. After working in India for about 5 years, he attended a workshop on big data and machine learning that changed his trajectory.
His primary motivation wasn't money or immigration — it was the work itself. Back in 2014-2015, the US offered something India couldn't match at the time:
This is a common story among tech professionals: the allure of working on cutting-edge projects, exposure to different work cultures, and the opportunity to grow technically. But as Rabi would discover, the professional gains came with significant personal costs.
Life in the US: The Good and the Lonely
For the first several years, life in the US was manageable. Rabi had friends nearby, a social circle, and the typical NRI experience of building a life in a new country.
Then came marriage, kids, and the natural evolution of life. Grandparents would visit once in a while, providing temporary relief from the isolation of raising children far from family.
But the pandemic changed everything.
This loneliness became a turning point. The social fabric that made life in the US bearable had unraveled, and rebuilding it seemed increasingly difficult.
The Trigger: COVID, Loneliness, and Family
Rabi had always harbored thoughts of returning to India. But like many NRIs, he was caught in the "in-between" — not fully committed to staying, not ready to leave.
Several factors converged to tip the scales toward India:
Why Rabi Chose India
- Grandparent-grandchild disconnect: "They would meet the kids every one year. Parents age quickly and kids age quickly, and the disconnect between grandchildren and grandparents was widening."
- Friend circle scattered: COVID caused friends to relocate and get married, leaving a void
- H1B limitations: Career growth was stunted by visa restrictions
- Financial stagnation: Real income hadn't improved despite years of work
- Green card impossibility: 150+ year wait made permanent residency a fantasy
The grandparent connection was particularly poignant. With kids aged 4 and 2, Rabi realized the window for building meaningful relationships between his children and their grandparents was closing fast.
The Real H1B Challenges Nobody Talks About
The H1B visa is often portrayed as a golden ticket to the American dream. Rabi's experience reveals a different reality — one of constant uncertainty, limited mobility, and subtle discrimination.
Always a "Temporary Worker"
This status affects everything — from how employers view you to how you're treated in the workplace. Despite years of contributions, H1B workers remain in a precarious position.
Silent Discrimination
While not overt, these micro-aggressions accumulate over time, affecting one's sense of belonging and psychological well-being.
Career Mobility Restrictions
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is how H1B restricts career growth. Rabi experienced this firsthand when a better opportunity slipped away:
Political instability adds another layer of uncertainty:
⚠️ The 6-Year Trap: Without starting the I-140 (green card) process, H1B workers are restricted to only 6 years in the US. Rabi was at the 4.5-year mark when he switched companies, and his new employer started the process just in time.
When His H1B Was Denied: A Nightmare Experience
Rabi's story includes one of the most traumatic experiences an H1B worker can face — a visa denial that forced him to leave the country immediately.
The consequences were immediate and severe:
What Happens After H1B Denial
- Limited grace period: When H1B is pending, you can stay for about 240-270 days
- Immediate departure required: Once denial comes, you must leave immediately
- Unlawful presence risk: Days stayed after denial count as unlawful period of stay
- Life disruption: Must sell or store belongings, find housing in India, find new job
Rabi found a job in India, but the experience there wasn't great. After about 3 months, his H1B approval finally came through (the company had refiled properly), and he returned to the US. But the trauma of that experience stayed with him.
The Financial Reality: 10 Years, Same Purchasing Power
One of the most eye-opening aspects of Rabi's story is the financial reality of staying in the US on H1B. Despite a decade of work, his real income barely moved.
Meanwhile, costs kept rising:
Rising Costs vs. Stagnant Real Income
| Factor | 2016 | 2024 | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Salary | $90,000 | $140,000 | +55% nominal |
| Real Purchasing Power | Baseline | Same | 0% real growth |
| Housing Prices | Baseline | Significantly higher | Negative |
| Groceries | Baseline | Higher | Negative |
This is a crucial consideration for NRIs: the nominal salary increase often masks the reality of stagnant or declining purchasing power, especially for single-income families.
150-Year Green Card Wait: Why It's Not Worth It
Perhaps the most damning indictment of the US immigration system for Indians is the green card backlog. Rabi's assessment is blunt:
Let that sink in: 150-190 years. That's not a typo. For Indian nationals in the employment-based green card queue, permanent residency is essentially impossible through the normal process.
⚠️ Reality Check: If your goal is to immigrate permanently to a country and become a citizen, the US is currently not a viable option for Indian H1B workers. The math simply doesn't work.
This reality fundamentally changes the calculus for anyone considering the US on H1B. You're not building toward permanent residency — you're essentially a long-term temporary worker with no path to citizenship.
For more on immigration considerations, see our guide on the harsh reality of H1B work visa life.
Planning the Move: Internal Transfer Process
Once the decision was made, Rabi opted for an internal transfer — a common and relatively smooth path for those whose companies have India offices.
Timeline and Logistics
Key decisions during the planning phase:
Rabi's Moving Checklist
- Kept the US property: "We thought of keeping it around for maybe kids' future" — rented it out instead of selling
- Shipped selectively: Only items with sentimental value (kids' books, balance bike)
- Sold most belongings: Used Facebook Marketplace to sell furniture and household items
- Staggered family move: Wife and kids flew home early while Rabi wrapped up
The City Choice: Hyderabad Over Bangalore
Rabi's company had an office in Bangalore, but he specifically requested to work from Hyderabad:
The reason? Family. Both his parents and in-laws were in and around Hyderabad, making it the logical choice for the grandparent-grandchild connection he wanted to build.
What to Ship vs. What to Leave
His daughter's reaction to the move was emotional:
For detailed guidance on shipping, see our article on how to ship items from US to India.
Life in India: Work, Family, and Adjustments
Work-Life Balance Transformation
One of the biggest changes for Rabi has been the work arrangement. Despite working for the same company with the same team, the dynamics shifted significantly:
The benefits of this arrangement:
Work-Life Balance Gains
- No commute: Working from home eliminates travel stress
- Morning flexibility: Can help with household chores before work
- Family time: Living with or near parents means daily interaction
- Same team continuity: No need to rebuild professional relationships
Family Adjustment
The other challenge? Outdoor activities:
Housing Considerations
Currently staying with parents, Rabi is planning to rent a place nearby with better amenities for the kids:
The traffic and biking culture in India presents a real challenge for young children:
Advice for NRIs Considering the Move
Based on his experience, Rabi offers practical advice for those thinking about returning to India:
On Traffic and Infrastructure
On Problem-Solving
On Planning
Rabi's Pre-Move Checklist
- Think about residency: Where you plan on staying — city, neighborhood, type of housing
- Research schools: What sort of school you want to send kids to
- Adjust expectations: India has changed — be prepared for differences
- Build support network: Friends and family help is invaluable during transition
On H1B Specifically
🤝 Connect with Others on the Same Journey
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The Bottom Line: Why India Won
Rabi's story isn't about India being perfect or the US being terrible. It's about making a calculated decision based on what matters most.
For him, the equation was clear:
India vs. US: Rabi's Final Calculation
| Factor | US Reality | India Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Status | Permanent "temporary worker" | Citizen, full rights |
| Green Card | 150+ year wait | N/A — already home |
| Family Connection | Annual visits, growing disconnect | Daily interaction with grandparents |
| Social Circle | Scattered after COVID | Rebuilding with family base |
| Career Mobility | Restricted by visa | Full flexibility |
| Financial Growth | Stagnant real income | Lower cost of living, family support |
The H1B visa, once seen as a stepping stone to the American dream, has become a trap for many Indian professionals. With impossible green card wait times, career restrictions, and the constant uncertainty of visa renewals, the calculus has shifted.
For Rabi, choosing India wasn't giving up — it was choosing a life where he could be present for his kids, connected to his parents, and free from the perpetual limbo of temporary worker status.
Sometimes the best career move isn't about career at all. It's about life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the green card wait time for Indians on H1B?
According to Rabi's experience, the current wait time for Indians to get a green card through the employment-based route is approximately 150-190 years. This makes it practically impossible for most Indian H1B workers to ever become permanent residents through this route.
What happens if you don't start the I-140 process within 6 years on H1B?
If you don't initiate the I-140 (green card) process, you are restricted to only 6 years on H1B. Without starting this process, you would have to leave the US after 6 years regardless of your job situation.
Can H1B visa restrictions affect job changes and salary growth?
Yes, significantly. Rabi had a higher-paying job offer rescinded because the new company didn't have enough time to get I-140 approval during the transition period. Political instability also affects hiring preferences, with companies often favoring US citizens or green card holders.
Why is the 10-year mark important for NRIs working in the US?
Working 10 years (40 credits) in the US makes you eligible for Social Security benefits. This was one reason Rabi stayed the full 10 years before returning to India — to secure future retirement benefits that can be received even while living in India.
How did Rabi plan his internal transfer to India?
The process took about 3 months. He requested to work from Hyderabad (not Bangalore where the office was) as a special case for family reasons, with a compromise of flying to Bangalore monthly. His wife and kids flew to India early while he wrapped up the US transition.
What should NRIs consider about kids' schooling when moving to India?
Rabi moved with children aged 4 and 2. Key considerations include: building new friendships takes time, outdoor play areas may be limited in traditional neighborhoods, and traffic makes biking risky for young children. He advises thinking carefully about residential areas with good amenities for children.
Watch the Full Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why 10 Years Matters: Social Security Credits
Despite all the challenges, Rabi made a strategic decision to stay the full 10 years. The reason? Social Security eligibility.
Social Security for NRIs: Key Facts
This is valuable information for NRIs considering their timeline. If you're at 7-8 years, it might be worth staying to hit the 10-year mark for Social Security eligibility.
For detailed guidance on claiming Social Security from India, see our article on how Indian citizens can get US Social Security in India.
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