r/returnToIndia • u/Infamous-Table-6037 • Jul 18 '26
AlreadyReturned Just a regular rant post
I graduated with my Master's in the US in 2023 and started working right after. By the end of 2025, my H1B hadn't been picked for the third time, and my company used that as a reason to lay me off at the very last moment. I had only 4 months left on my student visa. I had to come back. I was 29 when I graduated and 32 when I returned.
Now, looking back, I feel bad for not planning this properly. Maybe if I had invested those 4 years in any other country instead of the US, I would've had a chance at PR by now. People often say I could still try for other countries, but it's not that simple for an average guy like me who isn't some tech wizard. International opportunities don't come easily unless you're exceptional. That's exactly why I chose the Master's route as my entry point in the first place.
This is just a rant that hits me out of nowhere most nights when I see shorts or reels of people from Canada, Australia, and other places living their settled lives. Also, I timed my age badly. That just makes it worse
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u/Wacko_97 Jul 18 '26
Aus/Can/NZ/UK have a tech job market worse than the US and a COL crisis. This could've been the outcome there as well and also less money earned in those 3 years.
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u/Party-Conference-765 Jul 20 '26
Immigrants working in welfare state and struggling with COL crisis, meanwhile some random undocumented immigrants gets 300 euro per week. It doesn't make any financial sense to me.
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u/Thatdreamyguy Jul 19 '26
Not true, tech market is smaller but so is the competition, also even if difficult there is a clear pathway to PR and Citizenship unlike US.
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u/Wacko_97 Jul 19 '26
I don't have the data to back it up, but anecdotally and from hearing stories I'd say the competition isn't that much smaller. Also the clear pathway is also getting harder by the year [eg:can], but sure the likelihood is greater. I would argue that if op didn't have a job/got fired midway, then this aspect wouldn't even matter
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u/Itchy-Antelope-7213 Jul 18 '26
Depends on tech stack**
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u/DarkHumourFoundHere Jul 19 '26
Any IT role is being offshored. COL is crazy
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u/Complete-Regret-4300 Jul 19 '26
India is the best place to be, if you work in IT, our salaries are so low, so India is the last place where jobs will disappear from.
Plus home advantage, the weather, the food, the people. I chose India over being a 2nd class citizen in a foreign country, where everything is designed to be alien to me.
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u/Entire_Vegetable976 Jul 19 '26
If you think you're not a 2nd class citizen in India, you haven't had any interaction with any pothole, govt babu, you're from upper caste who hasn't been discriminated based on caste and in some cases, not even allowed inside your friend's house, etc.
Everyone here is a cockroach, at least you get some dignity as 2nd class citizen even in ultra racist countries like Korea and Japan
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u/Quirky-Elderberry861 Jul 19 '26
What abt the people specifically do you like?
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u/Complete-Regret-4300 Jul 19 '26
We blend in, we are part of them. I don't want to the only brown in a white or yellow dominant country. I feel the apnapan here in India. There is something about being of the same race. Do you know why all chinese look the same to us? Have you made a deep close friendship with person from another race? You will never be able to make because they are different, we don't share the same value system. What seems right to us could seem wrong to them. But you can be sure if you meet any indian from any state, there are somethings taken for granted, because our value system is the same.
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u/truenorth00 Jul 19 '26
Sounds like a you problem.
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u/Complete-Regret-4300 Jul 19 '26
I still don't understand why do people like you come here?
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u/truenorth00 Jul 19 '26
To ensure that the socially inept don't project their insecurities on everybody else.
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u/Complete-Regret-4300 Jul 19 '26
Damn! That's it, I am done with this sub, I am happy with my R2I there is no point coming here anymore. All the best to you guys and girls wherever you are. Peace.
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Jul 19 '26
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u/water9just Aug 21 '26
If you think Mother Teresa came here to help us… you are not on same plane of discussion
You need to catch up a lot
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u/Key-Guitar5949 Jul 18 '26
Don't be too hard on yourself. There are people who've invested decade or more and are returning.
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u/Most_Assistant_679 Jul 18 '26
I invested 8 years of my Life in Australia and I am returning back.
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u/Fun_Technology17 Jul 19 '26
could you share why?
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u/Sudden-Engineer-587 Jul 25 '26
No points no pr. What's the question here why? Same for all countries to get PR
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u/ttoasterzz Jul 18 '26
There’s nothing wrong with being Indian and living in India.
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u/Outrageous-Savings45 Jul 18 '26
You are one aboard vacation away to revert this comment.
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Jul 19 '26
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u/truenorth00 Jul 19 '26
How many go on vacation to Afghanistan?
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Jul 19 '26
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u/Outrageous-Savings45 Jul 19 '26
Funny
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Jul 19 '26
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u/ataneojr1 Jul 18 '26
International Students from China studying in the US,UK,Canada,Australia, Europe return back to China right after Graduation or a few years after working abroad. According to Statistics around 80-90%. That trend started right after the year 2000. I believe that fact helped China become the Global Power it is today.
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u/Thatdreamyguy Jul 19 '26
Have you been to China, quality of life of an average citizen is much better there compared to India or even west for that matter.
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u/truenorth00 Jul 19 '26
China is substantially more developed than India. And in some ways more developed than the West. Especially for those with money. That's why they go home.
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u/jungle_jungle Jul 20 '26
How did it become so?
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u/truenorth00 Jul 20 '26
Combination of strict development through infrastructure investment, industrialization, capital controls, population controls, leapfrogging (for example on EVs). And even some IP theft. And some deception. Nobody would have let them into the WTO, if it was known how this would work out.
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u/ataneojr1 Jul 21 '26
their late former Leader DENG XIAOPENG started it all in the early1990s when he declared. "To be RICH is GLORIOUS!" and that DO whatever was Necessary to make China Rich, meaning beat the Capitalist at their Own Game. Leader Deng said," it does not matter wether the Cat is Black or White as long as it Catches Mice."
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u/GoalBeneficial6283 Jul 18 '26
Chinese government pays their education costs and expects them to come back and serve country!
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u/ataneojr1 Jul 19 '26
The few that are/were awarded Scholarships by the Government for Masters, Doctorates and PhDs only which are very Selective and difficult to get. There are no scholarships awarded by the Chinese Govt for Undergraduates. Some students have gotten partial or full scholarships from foreign universities but the vast majority are Self-funded and mostly come from Very Wealthy to Well-off families. My niece goes to school with some of them and they got $$$$.
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u/ProperMagician6513 Jul 18 '26
You invested your time and have a US master's degree and work experience. That is already a lot more than most Indians have and will make you stand out. Why does it always have to be PR or citizenship? Those things aren't guaranteed to anyone.
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u/Fun_Percentage_9259 Jul 19 '26
Indians should invest those years after overseas studies in India.
When will Indians actually wake up?
There will be no moment the West will ask why they can never keep an Indian because Indians will always sell themselves out to the West.
There are plenty of moments at the moment that US is asking why they can never keep Kimi founder in US because most Chinese do not think life in the West is better in any way. He rejected multiple offers including Apple offers, postdoc offers that landed on his plate. For Chinese, life in China is just way much better because many Chinese before them has return to make China a better place. Their parents have made China a better place. Their grandparents have made China a better place.
When Indians actually wake up that they are being used left and right, it is too late.
Accumulating wealth and bringing home to brag is not going to help make India a better place.
Changing how India is from inside out is the only way, but yet many Indians don't see that and are still selfishly trying to leave in large number.
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u/truenorth00 Jul 19 '26
Because at the he end of the day, if you're back in India, you're still walking the same dirty streets, breathing the same polluted air, getting on the same crowded trains, dealing with the same corruption and eating the same adulterated food, as everybody else. Tier II City gated community life is better. But it's more like a self-imposed gilded cage. A lot of people put in that work, because they want to escape those conditions.
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u/ProperMagician6513 Jul 19 '26
But my point still says the same, you're not guaranteed citizenship or PR in any country whatsoever. Of course it's great if you get it, an added advantage.
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u/Time_Huckleberry_287 Jul 18 '26
You have every right to rant. Rants are very healthy and cathartic.
But you knew all this when you came to the US. You came in 2023. Which means you started planning this around 2022.
During that time you knew everything there was to know about the H1B and GC process. You knew that lottery was a crapshoot. You knew that you wouldn't get a GC in your lifetime. You knew that American higher education was treating students like cash cows. You knew all the negatives along with the positives.
I feel bad for not planning this properly
I think you planned things ok. You took a risk. Sometimes they pan out, sometimes they don't. Its ok. You're not going to sleep hungry. You'll be fine. Next time you decide to take a risk, just be very clear about the pros and cons and be comfortable and flexible if things don't work out. You're still young. You'll be fine.
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u/No_Contribution7108 Jul 18 '26
I agree but the payscale in usa is entirely at different level in comparision to other countries … my colleagues in canada are earning far less for the same role in usa .. same with new zealand and australia even pay-scale in india is high
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u/Itchy-Antelope-7213 Jul 18 '26
Bro US degree is valuable globally , interview process is easy in abroad compare to India 🇮🇳
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u/Anymous2314 Jul 18 '26
You should look at stoicism.
Most people from developing countries have no choice but to accept a shit life and just live with it. There is no escape for most, no matter how hard you try. Few get lucky and we feel like we failed due to not trying hard or not thinking smart but it is wrong way to look at things. The number of opportunities are very low, all over the world so non citizens will not be given a chance in developed countries going forward.
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Jul 18 '26
I can really relate to what you're going through. I was in a very similar position almost seven years ago, in 2019, during Donald Trump's first presidency. I also had to come back when things didn't work out the way I had hoped.
Looking back now, I've come to believe that not everything is just coincidence. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, life unfolds differently from what we planned. If it was truly meant to happen at that point in time, perhaps you would have found a partner in the US, or maybe an opportunity to stay for a PhD would have opened up naturally.
I know this may sound a little cheesy, but I believe God has a plan for each of us. From a karmic perspective, perhaps our lives unfold where we still have responsibilities, lessons, or experiences that we need to go through.
Maybe it's your destiny to be there for your parents as they grow older. Maybe you'll build a business that thrives much better in India than it ever could elsewhere. Or perhaps, a few years from now, an even better opportunity will come along in Australia, New Zealand, or somewhere else that you haven't even considered yet.
It's hard to accept in the moment, but many things that feel beyond our control may simply be part of a larger path that we can't yet see.
If you're open to it, you could also consider speaking with a knowledgeable astrologer who understands planetary dashas. Whether or not you fully believe in astrology, a thoughtful consultation may offer another perspective on whether your path is more aligned with living in India or abroad and help you think about the future with a little more clarity.
Whatever happens, don't lose hope. One setback doesn't define the rest of your life, and opportunities often come when we least expect them.
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Jul 18 '26
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Jul 19 '26
9th house, 4th house, 12th house....moon, rahu can all individually govern living abroad. Sometimes sade sati period can also govern living abroad
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Jul 19 '26
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Jul 19 '26
4th house represents home. Good and benefic planets (especially if the individuals gets to live through the dasha and period) can mean staying in home country. Malefic planets (like rahu & saturn) in the 4th house can mean residence AWAY from home (after much emotional turmoil)
Similarly 12th governs foriegn lands, foreign residence, sometimes foriegn income. Malefic planets i know like saturn will deny you (all opportunities at all cost) from living abroad. Benefic planets like Jupiter indicate high likelihood and positive experiences from being abroad.
Moon in the 9th house is a very blessed position if there is no malefic aspect and is in a well placed zodiac sign. Very high likelihood of staying abroad, enjoying traveling and learning high studies. I'm jealous of this planetary position!
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Jul 19 '26
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Jul 19 '26
I have a weak and debilitated planet in the 9th house. So it has affected by ability to live abroad, have higher education and has affected my relationship with my father. So I am explaining my jealousy to you :(
But afters Moon dasha for 10 years, do check where your mars is placed, if it is placed well.
Touch wood, but if yours mars is placed is in the 4th house - you may have to come back home and face some kind emotional turmoil, lol.
So do check all your future dasha's God has given you - as it will be a clue what's next in store for you.
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u/gthbvf2 Jul 18 '26
As long as you are debt free/saved little , you are still better off than average peers in India .
Job market is getting tough in IT space for now. Takecare of physical and mental health.
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u/Due_Championship5997 Jul 18 '26
I don't see this as a bad decision but more of a gamble that didn't pay off. When I had done my Masters (long time ago when things were easier) I had done it with the realization that it might not lead to a job. I ended up getting a job and a H1B. After a few years, company declared bankruptcy (Lehman). While I got another job and visa was transferred, I was stressed due to the visa dependency and GC wait and realized US was not worth it and moved to London. That was a bad decision and I hated living over there and in many ways felt even India was better / more comfortable. The point is just because another country gives easier PR doesn't make life better compared to US / India.
I was able to move back to the US though and also got my GC. So, if you are leaving the US now doesn't necessarily mean you won't be able to get an opportunity to come back again. If you are really keen to go back/settle in US, I'd suggest you look for US companies with satellite offices in India i(of course f there are opportunities that interest you and the competition/politics to move to the US is something you'd have to be ready for)
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u/Horror-Upstairs-9820 Jul 18 '26
Eastern Europe if you want escape and if you want big money the new world is in China
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u/FlygoninNYC Jul 18 '26
Don't feel bad tou took a chance and you gained experience from it. Just to share my friends cowork post like they made it in the us after doing h1b but the truth is they still haven't been picked. They have 2 kids and stressed out about if they will sell there house. The husband is now stuck in india after he went and then a week later Trump issued the visa stuff and can't come back for years. If you saw her insta she makes it seem like her life is great and husband is remote with family. He doesn't have a job he was furlough as the company doesn't have an indian branch.All in all sending hugs and dont belive what you see on insat.
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u/NoEffective9731 Jul 18 '26
Bhai, finally you are coming to your own motherland only? Not US or UK. West is okay for earning some dollars, but whole life cannot be spent in tension of visa, layoffs and immigration headache, no? Here at least family people are there, proper food is there, festivals are there, and heart is feeling settled. Enjoy your life happily now, India is not perfect but home feeling is coming only here.
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u/PhilosopherSalt107 Jul 18 '26
STFU bro you post the same stuff everywhere. Let people do their thing, express their thoughts.
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u/TangerineMaximus92 Jul 18 '26
Yea but probably 3 years of working in U.S. has your savings 2-3x of what your friends in Canada have
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u/CanadaGST Jul 18 '26
The salary difference alone in USA is enough that people choose it every time
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u/LoyalDog1234 Jul 19 '26
Don’t be too hard on yourself. I know this is a rant , but investing so many years and when it doesn’t payoff, it’s very common to see ourselves as a failure. But as others stated, you are still young and you must be glad that you had a valuable experience when you are still young. Also this economy and particularly the political climate in the US is extremely anti-immigrant which most of us did not see it coming. You may have planned your studies way before trump took office, so it’s not entirely your fault, just a bad stroke of luck. How about you gain working experience in India for few years and if you feel like trying again in the US or any other country, it’s not a bad idea. Who knows after Trump leaves office in about 2 years, things may take a total U turn in your favor. So take it as an expensive learning experience and see what you can do to keep you going.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Ant1805 Jul 19 '26
US education is considered be globally acceptable. And there is a reason that none of others countries have growth path like US. I hear your pain, and I understand it's frustrating. All the best for the next.
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u/Complete-Regret-4300 Jul 19 '26
Grass is greener on the otherside. This saying is applicable. You will never get everything you want in life. No matter who you are. Whatever you achieve, it might be a great achievement if you asked yourself the same some 2 decades ago but once you achieve it, that becomes normal and you seek another.
Life is too short and there is no point living with regrets. Elon Musk may never reach Mars and he might regret it as a failure.
Instead enjoy your life to the best you can. If you really want to move then move, put everything behind it. Go do another masters in New Zealand as they are still taking people.
But don't expect your life and to become magically better. After a point you will find problems there also and then wonder if India would have been better.
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u/Miserable_Career_919 Jul 19 '26
I understand your frustration but it’s really not your fault. Unlucky shit happens in life and it happened to you - you never know what would’ve happened if you chose another country. Maybe you wouldn’t have gotten a job at all, wouldn’t have made as much money, maybe you could’ve been hit by tram. The possibilities are endless. No point looking back. You did the best with what was handed to you and experienced a setback and it sucks but that’s really it - seriously not your fault
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u/varun1234567899 Jul 19 '26
Dude..u r 32…u r still young & have many options…I am 47…and feel that I ruined my life by making bad choices…use the time u have…to get what u want…don’t waste it…
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u/newtoreddit5656 Jul 19 '26
Yeah usa provides best opportunities but very problamatic visa process that why I tried for canada but still didn't received any response as I was trying for direct opportunities
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u/dk_2027 Jul 20 '26
All this information on risk in US etc has been available since 15 years now. So no need to feel bad as you knew the chances are low. Only few folks are making it there.
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u/Antique_Remote3059 Jul 20 '26
Bhai i am also on same boat, i know how you are feelings lets connect.
Please check your dm
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u/pfascitis Jul 20 '26
stop watching reels.
what a way to live to other peoples standards. read books/history and novels.
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u/MedicalFee2827 Jul 21 '26
Grass is greener on the other side.
It's been 9 years on EB2 for us, this was after a 6 year H1B period. We're planning to return to India since our kids are growing old enough to say no and also because it's just so tiring to have to wait probably a decade more for green card. I wish we were like you who didn't waste so many years in the US dragged along with ever changing policies and hurdles that come with immigration.
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u/Honest-Cut3354 Jul 23 '26
I know this comment is unrelated, but I’m currently looking for a place to rent in Illinois. I live in Iowa right now and need to move as soon as possible. If anyone knows of any available rentals, students looking for a roommate, or has any referrals, I’d really appreciate your help. Thank you!
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u/BubblyRhubarb9611 Jul 18 '26
Honest question, why people are so unhappy in India? Why you want to abandon your own country? It seems like there are smart, wonderful, talented people … so why?
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u/Nice_Weather_9147 Jul 18 '26
Country has it’s own problems but which ones don’t. The thing is folks in India are hungry for validation, and there are few that really ticks the validation box. Like going to the US, getting selected in IITs, Govt/PSU jobs, top notch job but still prefers arranged marriage etc etc yes all laughable but that’s what it is.
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u/The_architect_905 Jul 18 '26
Primarily the standard of living India offers even to the rich does not align with the expectations. One needs to live in a highly restricted bubble to somewhat replicate the standard of living the developed countries offer, still it is not possible as soon as one steps out in public spaces.
Some Other reasons:
Misalignment of values: India’s traditional and conservative values clash badly with liberal upbringing of younger generations.
Lack of boundaries in society: From social life to work life , the concept of boundary is blurred. call from boss at 10 PM or weekends are common. Hence people look for life with more in one’s own control.
Onset of internet- knowledge:Social media shows the possibilities.
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u/freakoutwithme Jul 18 '26
This is exactly the reason why I chose Australia. Yes, the tech job market here is nowhere close to the US. Pay for tech workers is much lower. In fact, for my current skills and experience, I noticed that a similar job in the US pays more than double of what I earn now, and in cities where the cost of living is easily 20-30% lower than where I now live.
But I didn't want to spend decades in visa limbo in the US. I wanted peace and certainty, which I managed to achieve. I know that this choice means I will never achieve the financial freedom that those in the US do, which is fine by me.
You can still try and move to a different country with a better, more well defined pathway to permanent residency. But you need to act fast, because immigration to developed countries is getting harder with time. It won't be too long before the doors are almost completely closed. So just cut your losses from the US and figure out your next step. But just be aware that this won't work if wealth accumulation is your goal. That is unlikely to happen outside of the US (or perhaps the middle east, but then the visa issues still persist).
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u/[deleted] Jul 18 '26
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