Recent posts by NRI Reddit This sparked a lively discussion about the prospect of returning to India after living in the United States for more than a decade. This person spent eight years in the United States H-1B Visa and OPT (Optional Practical Training) Expressing his frustration with visa-related stress and financial difficulties, he finally decided to return to India in April.
With his financial situation and future opportunities in India unclear, the Reddit user sought guidance from others who had gone through similar transitions. However, HT.com cannot independently verify the authenticity of the claims made in the post.
H-1B visa stress and financial challenges drive decision to return home
In a post titled “Returning to India after 11 years,” the user recounted his experience in the U.S. immigration system.
“It got to the point where I just couldn’t handle it. H-1B No more visa stress. I have been on H-1B for five years, plus the previous 3 years of OPT, so after a total of over 8 years of working in the United States, my financial situation is still difficult,” the Reddit user wrote.
The poster claimed he had limited savings, no debt or obligations, and was eager to leave the United States, but he was unwilling to return to a traditional 9-to-5 job in India.
“I decided next April that I was going to return to India and to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. I was single and had no responsibilities or debt, but I also didn’t have much savings. One thing I knew for sure was that I didn’t want to go back to India and work a 9-to-5 job.”
“Wanting to get advice from people who have returned to India after living in the United States for a long time,” he continued. He was looking for perspective on how to rebuild his life outside of the traditional world of employment.
Indian techie’s post sparks debate and discussion
The Reddit community was quick to offer advice on everything from financial planning to the harsh reality of living in India without enough savings.
Before any advice was given, people expressed shock at the suggestion that users were living abroad and had no savings. Many users suggested controlling expenses first and returning to India with enough money to sustain unemployment or start a business.
“Why no savings? 😡 Your expenses must be huge. I think you need to save 5 years of living expenses. But you have to control what your expenses look like. Then you can consider starting a business in India. That’s what I did. You can wait in the United States until you save enough above and then move to India. Otherwise you will have to work in India and the savings will not be comparable to your savings in the United States.”
In response, the original poster disclosed his properties in India. “I bought a house in India on the advice of my relatives (which I regret now). Out of anxiety, I have paid off the entire loan and spent nearly $2 Crores. I honestly don’t think it’s worth that much. I also bought some land there and tried to sell it without success. “
Others, meanwhile, say users should have Rs 4-5 crore in liquid assets when they return to India. “Don’t come to India unless you have liquid assets of at least Rs 4-5 crore… India without money is extremely difficult.”
Another said: “Trying to sell a few properties, or at least rent them out? Wouldn’t recommend moving back when you have very little savings.”
“Next April you will realize that you need to save for another year before moving to India,” reacted another.
