🍁 Returning to India from Canada: From a Big "No" to the Best Decision Ever
After 13 years in Canada, Totik and Amisha weren't running away from something — they were running toward a redefined idea of home. Their story is a masterclass in rational relocation: from skepticism and spreadsheets to emotional and professional satisfaction in India.
🍁 Returning to India from Canada: From a Big "No" to the Best Decision Ever
How a family moved from skepticism and spreadsheets to emotional and professional satisfaction in India after 13 years in Canada.
Guest Story: Totik & Amisha — 13 years in Canada → now building a fulfilled life back home in Ahmedabad, India
"I was completely sure I'd never go back to India — now I can say this is one of the best decisions I've made."
Key Takeaways
- Staged relocation reduces risk: Moving one partner first validates job market and living conditions before full commitment
- India has transformed dramatically: Modern infrastructure, digital payments, and evolved work culture make returning more viable than ever
- Logic beats nostalgia: Use spreadsheets to compare all options (US, Dubai, India) across taxation, cost of living, and family proximity
- Family proximity multiplies happiness: Being near aging parents and cultural roots creates emotional fulfillment money can't buy
- Professional opportunities exist: Jobs in hospitality, IT, and sales offer competitive salaries with better work-life balance than 15 years ago
When "Never Going Back" Became "Maybe India Is Home"
Totik describes himself as 80% logical, 20% emotional.
For years, he dismissed every suggestion of returning as "impossible."
But by year 10 in Canada, something shifted. They'd achieved every goal — the home, the cars, the jobs — yet a strange emptiness remained. Like many NRIs planning their return to India, they began questioning what success truly meant.
They realized success without belonging felt hollow. That thought became the seed for change.
If you're feeling this same emptiness despite achieving your Canadian dream, you're not alone. Many professionals reach a point where they start asking: "Is this really what I want for the next 20 years?"
What Made Them Reconsider Returning to India After 13 Years?
The couple had come to Canada with a clear mission: success.
But once they reached it, they started evaluating quality of life, not just income.
The cold climate, social isolation, and aging parents back home pushed them to reconsider long-term happiness.
Simultaneously, they saw India transforming — better infrastructure, global work culture, digital systems. Understanding NRI tax residency status in India became crucial as they evaluated the financial implications of their move. The Reserve Bank of India's NRI guidelines provided clarity on banking and remittance regulations.
Here's the truth: The India you left 10-15 years ago doesn't exist anymore. Digital payments are everywhere, infrastructure has improved dramatically, and work culture has evolved to match global standards.
How to Plan Your Return to India: The 3-Year Framework
Their move wasn't emotional — it was planned like a multi-phase project.
You can't just pack your bags and hope for the best. Here's how to approach your return with logic and minimize risk:
Totik's 3-Year Framework:
- Explore all options: U.S., Dubai, and India.
- Create an exhaustive pros & cons spreadsheet covering: taxation, work culture, cost of living, immigration risk, family ties.
- Research, verify, and test assumptions before deciding.
| Parameter | Canada | U.S. | Dubai | India |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family proximity | Low | Low | Medium | Very High |
| Career stability | High | Uncertain | Moderate | High |
| Cost of living | Rising | High | High | Moderate |
| Long-term residency | Stable | Risky (visa limits) | Temporary | Permanent |
| Emotional connection | Moderate | Low | Medium | Very High |
Why You Need a Trial Trip Before Moving Back to India
In 2021, they made a two-month "trial trip" to India — but this wasn't a vacation.
Here's what you should do: Visit India not as a tourist, but as a future resident. Test everything.
They visited multiple cities — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai — testing everything from housing to grocery pricing.
Totik even kept Walmart receipts from Canada to compare cost-of-living line by line.
Key discoveries:
- India's real estate and infrastructure boom had changed everyday comfort.
- Digital payments (UPI) were ubiquitous — no more ATM runs.
- Indian corporate culture had matured dramatically.
What Are the Main Reasons to Return to India from Canada?
Emotional Drivers
- Family: "Parents' happiness doubled once we came back."
- Belonging: "Festivals felt real again. Conversations had warmth."
Logical Drivers
- Financial Stability: Lifestyle parity possible at lower expense.
- Professional Freedom: No immigration stress or visa deadlines.
- Growth Potential: India's upward momentum offered long-term opportunity.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Execute Your Move from Canada to India
They didn't leap — they executed in stages:
The best way to minimize risk is to move in phases. Here's the exact strategy they used:
Amisha moved first
Found a job within 15 days of landing in hospitality industry.
Validation period
Spent 6 months validating work culture and living standards.
Totik stayed in Canada
Maintained income and financial stability during transition.
Final move
Once confirmed, he wrapped up their life abroad and moved.
👉 Build your own staged-return blueprint: Financial Transition Blueprint
Many returnees also need to understand how to transfer 401k to India and manage their retirement savings during the transition. The IRS guidelines for taxpayers living abroad explain tax obligations for US citizens moving internationally.
Is Ahmedabad a Good City for Returnees from Canada?
Ahmedabad wasn't just home — it was strategic:
When choosing where to settle in India, you need to balance family proximity, career opportunities, and quality of life. Here's why Ahmedabad worked for them:
- Family nearby
- Lower pollution and commute times
- Balanced pace for career and lifestyle
How Is Work Culture Different in India Compared to Canada?
One of their biggest fears was outdated corporate behavior — long hours, rigid hierarchy.
Let's address the elephant in the room: Is Indian work culture still toxic?
The reality? A modern, globalized environment emphasizing outcomes and work-life balance.
If you're considering a similar move, learn about job search strategies for returning to India to maximize your career opportunities. According to Wikipedia's article on reverse brain drain, India has seen increasing numbers of skilled professionals returning from developed countries.
What Happened One Year After Moving Back to India?
Here's what actually happened after they made the move — the real results, not the Instagram version:
Personal:
- Zero regrets.
- Family joy multiplied.
- Stronger community life and sense of purpose.
Professional:
- Amisha thriving in hospitality management.
- Totik continuing his global work portfolio from India.
- New side business in progress.
Key Lessons: What You Can Learn from Their Return Journey
If you're planning your own return to India from Canada, here are the most important lessons to remember:
- Start with logic, not nostalgia. Research first.
- Update your India mindset. The country has transformed.
- Plan your return like a project. Spreadsheets beat spontaneity.
- Validate in stages. A partner-first move minimizes risk.
- Family benefits compound. Happiness isn't just personal — it's shared.
- Keep options open. Flexibility reduces fear.
👉 Plan your return professionally: 60-min consultation
💬 Rapid Insights
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Biggest Surprise | "India's development and mindset shift — bombarding in every direction." |
| Biggest Worry That Disappeared | Work culture — "Not what we remembered from 15 years ago." |
| Favorite City | Ahmedabad ("comfort, family, and balance") |
| Favorite Food | Homemade Gujarati thali |
| Favorite Realization | "Success means freedom and belonging — not just money." |
Frequently Asked Questions About Returning to India from Canada
Q: How long should I plan my return to India from Canada?
A: Their move wasn't emotional — it was planned like a multi-phase project. Totik's 3-Year Framework included: Explore all options: U.S., Dubai, and India. Create an exhaustive pros & cons spreadsheet covering: taxation, work culture, cost of living, immigration risk, family ties. Research, verify, and test assumptions before deciding. They executed in stages: Amisha moved first and found a job within 15 days of landing in hospitality industry. They spent 6 months validating work culture and living standards. Totik stayed in Canada to maintain income and financial stability during transition. Once confirmed, he wrapped up their life abroad and moved.
Q: What is the cost of living comparison between India and Canada?
A: In 2021, they made a two-month "trial trip" to India — but this wasn't a vacation. They visited multiple cities — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai — testing everything from housing to grocery pricing. Totik even kept Walmart receipts from Canada to compare cost-of-living line by line. They discovered that lifestyle parity is possible at lower expense in India, with financial stability being one of the logical drivers for their decision.
Q: How has work culture in India changed for returnees from Canada?
A: One of their biggest fears was outdated corporate behavior — long hours, rigid hierarchy. The reality? A modern, globalized environment emphasizing outcomes and work-life balance. "India's professional culture has evolved — especially in hospitality, IT, and sales. There's pressure, yes, but also empathy and flexibility." They realized that the work-life horror stories from 15 years ago no longer applied. Indian corporate culture had matured dramatically.
Q: What are the best cities in India for returnees from Canada?
A: Ahmedabad wasn't just home — it was strategic. The city offered family nearby, lower pollution and commute times, and balanced pace for career and lifestyle. "Every 100 km in India feels like a different country — but Ahmedabad gave us the right mix of comfort and opportunity." During their recon trip, they visited multiple cities — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai — testing everything from housing to grocery pricing before making their final decision.
Q: Should I return to India from Canada permanently or temporarily?
A: "We had backup-to-backup plans. If Ahmedabad didn't work, we had two other cities ready. If India didn't work, we'd re-evaluate." Their comparison matrix showed that India offered very high family proximity, high career stability, moderate cost of living, permanent long-term residency, and very high emotional connection. They didn't leap — they executed in stages with validation periods to minimize risk and keep options open.
Q: How do I find a job in India after living in Canada?
A: Amisha moved first and found a job within 15 days of landing in hospitality industry. They spent 6 months validating work culture and living standards before Totik made his final move. One year later, Amisha is thriving in hospitality management, Totik is continuing his global work portfolio from India, and they have a new side business in progress. The key was having one partner validate the job market first before full commitment.
Q: What are the biggest challenges when moving back to India from Canada?
A: "We came looking for problems, not perfection." Their biggest worry was work culture, but they discovered it was "Not what we remembered from 15 years ago." The biggest surprise was "India's development and mindset shift — bombarding in every direction." Key discoveries included: India's real estate and infrastructure boom had changed everyday comfort. Digital payments (UPI) were ubiquitous — no more ATM runs. Indian corporate culture had matured dramatically. Their advice: "Update your India mindset. The country has transformed."
Q: Can I maintain my Canadian citizenship after moving to India?
A: "We had backup-to-backup plans. If Ahmedabad didn't work, we had two other cities ready. If India didn't work, we'd re-evaluate." Their comparison showed Canada offered stable long-term residency and high career stability. The key lesson: "Keep options open. Flexibility reduces fear." They maintained their ability to return if needed while building their new life in India, demonstrating that you can plan strategically without burning bridges.
🏁 Your Next Steps
Community & Resources
- Join the Inner Circle Community
- Download the Financial Transition Blueprint
- Book a 60-Min Strategy Call
Banking & Remittance Stack
✍️ Editorial Summary
From spreadsheets to soul-searching, Totik and Amisha's story redefines what a "return" really means.
They didn't move for cheaper living — they moved for richer living.
Their logic was precise, their emotions honest, and the result — a life anchored in purpose, peace, and proximity to the people they love.
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