‘I’m scared’: Indian engineer’s US visa fight sparks debate on social media; Reddit suggests him to move back to India | Today’s news
A Reddit post on r/returnToIndia reached thousands of Indian tech professionals. User mukul_datta describes a situation that many international students worry about privately but rarely openly discuss.
The user came to the US in 2022 to pursue a master’s degree here. After graduation, he found a role as a backend engineer at a small AI startup. The work ended due to funding issues and immigration concerns. Since then, he has been looking for a job for almost a year.
The situation was made increasingly difficult by his visa status in the US. Several companies expressed interest, but backed out when they learned he only had about a year left on his visa. One company took him through five rounds of interviews and was ready to sponsor him.
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Their legal team eventually withdrew because they only had one H-1B lottery attempt left. He specified that STEM OPT gives him 60 days to find a new role. Without one he must return to India.
Two weeks ago, he started applying to Indian companies using his mother’s phone number. He received five to six callbacks. However, when he followed up on his American number, interest plummeted.
The companies realized that he was no longer based in India. He is now considering whether to wait out his remaining days in the US or return immediately before the Indian recruiters’ momentum dies down.
“Should I stay here until my unemployment expires or should I just move? Because I’m afraid I won’t get this answer from India anymore. But I’m also afraid of moving permanently and I’m having trouble repaying the loan. Please advise what I should do and how the job market is in India,” the user wrote.
Reddit is responding
The loudest response was simple and direct: “You are getting calls to India, which is a good sign. Go back and live happily without the constant visa stress.”
The original poster (OP) agreed and called the prospect of letting go of that stress the most relieving part of the situation. Another user who has already returned reported that the mental improvement spread to all other areas of his life.
One commenter offered a blunt counterpoint. He warned that returning to India would simply trade visa stress for power cuts, long commutes, polluted environments, difficult workplace culture and relatives gossiping about a failed American stint.
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The comment received downvotes, with another user stating that the commenter had no personal agency and simply lived by the perceptions of others.
A user who returned from USA to Kerala in March 2026 shared his own experience. After his return, he completed two to three rounds of technical interview a day. By April 15, he had secured the role of Principal AI Engineer with a base salary ₹35 LPA, fully remote.
His advice was emphatic: “Don’t stay in the US with consulting companies, it will destroy your career. Don’t live in the US. It will destroy you mentally and physically.”
This report is based on user generated content from social media. LiveMint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.
Reality check
The most detailed answer came from Zealousideal-Cry173. He offered what he called a reality check that most people avoid. The American job market has fundamentally changed. Companies are cutting costs, downsizing and scrutinizing every hire.
For the H-1B candidate, the equation includes legal costs, compliance requirements, and the uncertainty of sponsorship. When budgets get tight, hiring managers simply turn to candidates with unlimited work authorization.
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He was equally forthright about India. Calling recruiters is not the same as receiving offers. Companies want carpenters immediately available for quick interviews. The moment they hear that a candidate is calling from the US and plans to relocate, many will immediately move on.
India produces a large number of engineering graduates every year. Add in layoffs, AI-driven productivity gains and more selective hiring, and the market is much tougher than most people abroad imagine.
“The lesson is that being completely dependent on employers, whether in the US or India, creates the same vulnerability,” the user wrote.
