My article about the challenging experiences of international students in the U.S. received numerous responses directly via email. Among them, a friend named J.S. shared her journey as an H1-B holder, describing it as being like “a thrilling yet unpredictable rollercoaster.” During those nine and a half years with her H1-B status, she patiently awaited her green card.
During the first few years that she was on H1-B, there were only relatively few biotech companies that were offering visa sponsorship (especially because she started her career during the recession year of 2009).
She didn’t have the same ease in switching jobs as those working in the technology sector. A few highly appealing startup roles slipped through her fingers due to the visa sponsorship conditions. Moreover, the regulation stating that an approved i-140 petition wouldn’t revert back after 180 days hadn’t been implemented yet. Additionally, should she decide to change employers, her i-48 status might be canceled, forcing her to begin anew. These additional constraints specific to the H1-B category hindered her professional growth significantly.
Her life was structured in three-year segments due to the fact that each H-1B visa lasted for such periods. Although her spouse also possessed an H-1B visa, their renewals were staggered by twelve months; his application was set to be renewed one year following hers.
Basically, they each had a two-year period during every H1-B cycle when they were able to travel. Given her work in biotechnology, whenever she needed to get her visa stamped, she would face an extra “mantis” review—a mandatory thorough background check applicable to sectors handling sensitive data or technologies—which usually lasted between two to three weeks.
It also implied that she and her spouse utilized much of their vacation time journeying to India. As she required a passport inspection, she had to visit her native land since this process couldn’t be completed elsewhere. Several family gatherings and events were skipped due to their extended H1-B extension periods and additional wait times for visa approvals.
In her last cycle of renewing her H1-B visa, she also faced the worry of her driving license nearing expiration. The validity of her driving license was tied directly to the duration of her H1-B status. Although she could continue working even with a pending H1-B extension application, this did not apply when trying to renew her driving license at the DMV. There, they would accept nothing but an official approval notice as proof.
She was concerned since back then, premium processing (an extra charge applied) had been halted for all H1-B extensions. Her license expiring would prevent her from picking up or dropping off her children at daycare. Fortunately, just a couple of days prior to her license expiration date, premium processing was reinstated, allowing her to receive approval within one week.
Since they hold H1-B visas, she and her spouse receive equal pay compared to local employees, providing them with an excellent standard of living. Holding an H1-B visa doesn’t impact the approval for mortgages or car loans. They purchased their house while still under H1-B status.
Once more, there weren’t any limitations on health insurance due to the H1-B visa. You receive the same benefits as citizen or resident employees. Their top-notch health insurance covered the costs associated with having both their children.
They might be seen as the fortunate ones. The rest had valid reasons to go back home after residing in the US for several years. One such individual is T.S.
She mentioned that residing in the United States was like fulfilling a long-held aspiration. With her well-paid position in the technology sector and a stunning home in California, along with having the newest car model ready for drives, they led an opulent lifestyle together as a family. Yet gradually, she felt that some essential element was absent from their lives, prompting thoughts of relocating back to India.
Despite having all their necessities, she frequently experienced loneliness. Celebrations such as Diwali and Holi weren’t quite the same without her parents, cousins, and friends around. While video chats provided some assistance, they were unable to recreate the comfort of physical presence among dear ones.
Their kids were excelling academically, yet she observed that they mostly stayed inside, engrossed in electronic devices or involved in organized tasks. She wished for them to experience the sort of upbringing she had known—outdoor playtime, socializing with local peers, and embracing cultural customs from India.
Her job in the US was also rewarding, but the long hours left her exhausted. Weekends were spent catching up on chores, and even vacations felt rushed. She started craving for a slower, more meaningful pace of life.
Making the choice to relocate was not simple. Returning to India entailed abandoning the ease and predictability of living in the United States. However, both she and her family reflected deeply on what mattered most to them. These priorities encompassed being close to relatives, instilling traditional Indian principles and customs into their children, and experiencing a lifestyle where they could savor everyday joys.
Following extensive discussions, they opted to jump into it. So, what’s life like since relocating to India?
They relocated to Bengaluru, where she secured a high-ranking position in a technology firm. Her spouse, who had formerly been employed in finance, chose to follow his dream of teaching and began working as a finance instructor at a nearby college. These transitions took effect right away.
Spending festivities with her parents and broader family filled her heart with happiness. In the afternoons, her children would pick up cricket, spending hours playing in the evening as they listened to tales from their grandparents. These gatherings also provided opportunities for meaningful discussions and small delights such as short getaways and shared meals during weekends.
Returning to India wasn’t simple, yet it was utterly rewarding. She understood that genuine comfort doesn’t come from owning a large home or an extravagant vehicle. Instead, it stems from being near those who matter most to you, savoring your heritage, and maintaining harmony in life.
If you're thinking about making the move, her advice is to plan well and focus on what truly matters to you. For her, coming back to India gave her a sense of belonging and happiness that she hadn't felt in many years.