A Redditor who achieved the dream of obtaining an H-1B visa in the United States is now questioning whether the struggle is truly worth it. The user, who came to the US in 2018 for a master's degree, secured a job at a tech company and was selected in the H-1B lottery on his third attempt in 2022. He is now awaiting approval of his PERM application to eventually file for an I-140.
Life in the US: A Mixed Reality
In his post, the Redditor described a life filled with long working hours and limited social interactions. He sees his parents only once every two years due to the difficulty of taking time off and the high cost of flights. Meanwhile, his friends back home are buying houses and starting families, while he remains stressed about his visa status and the inability to change jobs easily.
The 31-year-old earns a decent income but lives with the constant fear that a layoff could leave him with just 60 days to leave the country. He noted that some people find greater happiness after returning to their home country, as priorities shift with age. Many realize they are in the US for financial gain but their hearts belong elsewhere.
Community Reactions and Advice
The comment section sparked a lively debate. Many respondents argued that the wait for a green card and the associated visa stress are not worth it, given that life in India has become more comfortable. However, they acknowledged that the decision to move back is difficult. Several users suggested Canada as a safer third option, offering a middle ground between India and the US.
One commenter claiming to be an attorney stated that the choice between India and the US depends on individual circumstances. He said, "If someone has strong financial backing, a stable support system, and real opportunities waiting in India, then going back can make sense. But that is not the situation for most people dealing with the immigration process in the United States. Many have taken on real financial risk to be here, including loans, relocation costs, and lost opportunities elsewhere."
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