With the United States closing its doors for Indian talent, the tech scene in Bengaluru has received an indirect uplift. Numerous Indian-origin residents of Silicon Valley have returned to India's tech capital, while those whose plans to move were crushed by the H-1B fee hike have made a detour to the south. Now, tech professionals and AI enthusiasts are turning towards Bengaluru and its budding startup scene to find a place and make a name for themselves. Amidst this, an Indian professional's confusion has the internet in splits.
Return to India or Stay in US?
In a social media post titled 'Return to India with 28 lpa in Bangalore or stay in US with 60k per year', an Indian man on an H-1B visa shared his dilemma. He claimed that he had recently scored a modest-paying job in Philadelphia as well as Bengaluru, but was struggling to decide between the two. He shared that he had initially moved to the states to pursue a master's degree and had an H-1B visa application selected in this year's lottery as well, currently pending processing.
"I'm in a very confusing state here. I came to the US for a master's. I've recently got a job 4 months ago after a struggle of 1 year. Right now I got a offer from India for 28 LPA in Bangalore. My H1-B got picked this year and still needs to be processed," he wrote on Reddit. "I got my STEM OPT visa valid until July 2026. It was always my plan to go back to India after my STEM OPT visa expires as it is easier to make the move as a bachelor than getting married and make the move at a later stage."
Being an only son, he highlighted that he also wished to be close to his parents and support them, especially since they were growing older. "So, I'm confused whether to take the offer right now and move back or stay here in the USA," he asked.
Social Media Reactions
As the post gained traction online, numerous viewers advised the man to move back to India as $60K would barely help him suffice in the US, while Rs 28 lakh would allow for a luxurious lifestyle in India.
"$60k will not go very far in Philly, though. 28LPA is a good start in Bangalore, given the political climate in the US right now towards migrants and the constant layoffs in IT," wrote a user.
"Seems like 28Lpa is better than 60k tbh thru ppp. Like others said 60k in which state? Nonetheless- still 28l feels more useful to me. I would take it," added another.
"60K in which part of the US? If in the Midwest, it is still OK, but at either of the coasts, you can't survive. In Philadelphia, absolutely not, you'll be pinching pennies," advised one.
