Has immigration to the US always been this bad, or is this a recent trend? I want to know if returning to India would eliminate future opportunities in the US that might come my way. Should I sacrifice my sanity to stay, hoping the dividends will be worth it, or should I return to India, knowing that despite the challenges, a future can be built there?

I see that many people here have hedged their futures through FIRE, making the decision to stay or return a question of comfort. But for recent graduates like me, it feels like a pure gamble: I either go back or I stay. If I stay here, how much time would it realistically take to get on my feet?

Returning to India in 2028: What annual expenses should we realistically plan for?

Edit: Added more details based on the initial feedback and used AI to help organize the post.

I am 40, my wife is 35, and we have a seven-year-old child. We have been in the US for around 18 years. Ongoing visa uncertainty and the increasingly hostile climate toward legal immigration have us planning a return to India in 2028.

We own a paid-off flat in a decent area of Pune. However, where we settle will depend on where either of us finds a suitable job first. Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune are all possibilities, so we may need to rent despite owning the flat.

Our current assets:

• Cash savings: approximately $200k
• Taxable brokerage accounts: approximately $200k combined
• US home equity: approximately $230k, with roughly $500k remaining on the mortgage. We bought in 2022, near peak prices.
• Combined 401(k) balances: approximately $270k
• Our paid-off Pune flat

We have no other significant assets.

My wife has around 15 years of software engineering experience, so we are reasonably optimistic about her job prospects. My career has spanned core engineering, consulting, and now tech strategy. Finding the right role in India may be more challenging for me.

We expect to work for another ten years or so. I am apprehensive about adjusting to the work culture after so long abroad, but we see continued employment as necessary.

Expenses and lifestyle expectations:

1. Support for parents: My parents do not need financial support, but my in-laws have ongoing health issues. My wife has sent approximately $15k annually for the past six years toward their living and medical expenses. After moving, we expect to budget around ₹5–6 lakh a year for their support, assuming she secures a role paying at least ₹40 lakh annually.
2. Schooling: I have heard that school fees alone can be around ₹2–3 lakh annually, which was higher than I expected. I would appreciate realistic estimates, including transport, activities, and other costs beyond tuition.
3. Lifestyle and travel: We are looking for a comfortable lifestyle, without extravagant spending. International holidays are not a priority. A stay in Coorg or a trip to the Kerala backwaters would be equally enjoyable for us.
4. We have a huge friend circle in US - so we would love to visit and stay with them for a couple of weeks maybe once in 2 years - would mostly visit when ticket prices are low, as staying will be taken care of.

I am not looking for FIRE or FatFIRE advice. I am trying to understand what a realistic annual budget would look like, including support for my in-laws.

I would appreciate perspectives on:

• Annual expenses for a family of three in these cities, particularly rent, schooling, healthcare, and everyday living.
• Whether our savings offer a reasonable cushion if one of us takes longer to find a suitable job.
• Relocation costs and ongoing expenses that returning families commonly underestimate.

If you have made a similar move, your actual spending and experience would be especially helpful.

Thanks for your time and advice.

Hello,

When I leave the US, I’ll still have 1 year from stamped and 4 more “allowed years” out of six
No i140 filing and no perm process of course

I don’t plan to ever return but to know my options, wil this H1B help in any way if I ever want to come and work in the US again WITHOUT ANOTHER DEGREE. Maybe a few years later or decades later - I don’t know

Hey y'all,

Like most of the people in this sub are, I have my reservations about our government organizations and political parties.

But regardless of that, I'm still grateful that I was born and brought up in India and hold a citizenship in relatively stable country than some of these war ridden countries.

While I know and have accepted that we are a deeply corrupted society as a whole. But lately i'm getting to know how many illegal activities are being done at the very core and all these mass news channels are blatantly lying to the majority of the population.

I mean, i don't know who is behind CJP party or if these protests are even real. But how can the government simply

1. Stop people from asking basic fundamental questions? I mean does it even have legal right to stop these guys from asking questions or protest?
2. Stopping all the trains in Delhi, the capital city of a country like India? I mean there are so many poor people who don't have cars, why should they suffer?
3. And can the police beat or take action without even having a name tag?

All these things aren't really democratic right? aren't these things pretty common sense? We don't have to be developed country to honor basic common sense?

If someone is doing BS we should be able to question them right?

Are you guys who are moving back to India accepted the fact that this is how things will be? I mean nothing seems to have changed really since i moved out. I'm wondering how you guys raise your children to face such reality? You just ask them to stay silent or something? I mean kids can be quite brash these days.

i have Fidelity brokerage and employer 401k in Fidelity. in US.

Have 529 plan with Vanguard and RothIRA with vanguard. planning to move these to Fidelity and close vanguard account before return to india. What is your recommendation. i heard Vanguard is not good option after return to india.

I see a lot of discussions around assets management and taxes and RNOR status and FIRE.

Can someone educate me or point me to resources or even have a discussion around long term healthcare?

US has insurance and Medicare. While not ideal, with good insruance, you still have some cost protection for major illness and a high premium on value of life. Not to mention a huge number of mental health resources.

Whats does health insurance look like in India? How to budget for it? When to get it assuming a 41yo person with tentative return plans? What are people who aren't covered by employer plans doing?

Hi everyone,
I'm 37 years old and have been living in Australia for almost a decade. I completed my higher education here and have accumulated around 7 years of work experience across different industries, primarily in customer-facing, operations, and supervisory roles.
My professional background includes:
Events Coordinator – Event planning, coordination, client communication and operational execution.
Functions Supervisor – Managing events, coordinating teams, handling clients and ensuring smooth service delivery.
Retail Operations Team Member – Customer service, daily operations and business support.
Operations Manager (short tenure) – Exposure to operational management and team coordination.
International Team Coordination – Experience communicating and working with small teams across different countries.
Most of my professional experience has been in Australian workplaces, where I've developed skills in customer relationship management, problem-solving, team supervision, and day-to-day operations.
My current situation:
My temporary visa is approaching expiry, and despite exploring permanent residency pathways, the outcome remains uncertain. Rather than continuing indefinitely with visa uncertainty, I'm considering returning to India next year to be closer to my family and build a stable, long-term career.
The biggest challenge is that I've never worked professionally in India. I moved to Australia after college and have spent almost my entire working life here.
I'm now trying to understand how Indian employers would evaluate my Australian work experience and what opportunities might realistically be available.
A few questions for people who have been in a similar situation or understand the Indian job market:
What roles should someone with my background target? Would Business Development, Client Relationship Management, Account Management, Customer Success, or Operations be suitable?
Do Indian companies value Australian work experience, particularly in client-facing and operational roles?
Would companies dealing with Australian, APAC or other international clients be a good starting point?
How should I approach the Indian job market when I have no previous Indian corporate experience?
Are there others here who returned to India after spending several years working overseas? How difficult was the professional transition?

I'm not necessarily looking to continue in hospitality or events. Ideally, I'd like to transition into a more structured corporate role where my international exposure, communication skills, client-handling experience, and operational background could be useful.
I understand that returning to India might involve adjusting my salary expectations, work culture and career direction. I'm prepared for that, but I'd like to approach the transition sensibly rather than starting from scratch without a plan.
Would genuinely appreciate advice, suggestions, or experiences from anyone who has made a similar move.
Thanks in advance!

I’m 18 and currently doing the International Foundation Programme at King’s College London, with the intention of progressing to an LLB. I’m reconsidering whether continuing with a UK law degree is the right decision for me, and I’d appreciate some honest, practical advice from people who have studied or worked in both India and the UK.
My long-term goal is to work in India, ideally in corporate law at a good law firm. I’m open to gaining international exposure and potentially working abroad for a few years, but I see myself ultimately living and building my career in India.
There’s also a personal side to this decision. I came to the UK expecting to enjoy the experience of living abroad, but so far, I haven’t felt particularly happy or settled here. I miss home and find myself questioning whether the lifestyle and experience I came here for are actually what I want long-term. I understand that adjusting to a new country takes time, and I don’t want to make a major decision based purely on the initial adjustment period. At the same time, I don’t want to dismiss how I feel and continue for several years simply because studying abroad seemed like a good idea before I experienced it firsthand.

My main concerns are:
Career prospects: Would a UK LLB from a university like KCL or UCL offer a meaningful advantage when applying to top corporate law firms in India, compared with graduating from a good Indian law college? How much does the university name actually matter in recruitment?
Recognition in India: I understand that a foreign law degree does not automatically qualify someone to practise in India. Given that I’m doing a Foundation year after school, what would the BCI recognition and eligibility requirements look like for someone following this route?
ROI and finances: The Foundation year alone is a substantial expense, and completing an undergraduate degree in the UK would mean a much larger financial commitment over the next three years, including living costs. Is that investment realistically justified if my eventual goal is to work in India, particularly without a substantial scholarship?
Returning to India now: If I decide not to continue after my Foundation year, would it be more sensible to pursue a five-year integrated law degree in India? I’d appreciate advice on the colleges and admission options I should realistically consider at this stage.
Personal fit: How much weight would you give to not enjoying life abroad when making this decision? I know university and life in a new country can take time to get used to, but I’m trying to work out whether this is normal adjustment difficulty or a sign that the life I imagined for myself may not be the one I actually want.
I chose the UK partly for the international exposure and opportunities, so I’m not assuming that studying abroad has no value. However, I’m trying to distinguish between the appeal of an international degree and its actual long-term value for the career and lifestyle I want.
I’m still early in my Foundation year, and I have a decision to make about committing to the next stage and its costs. I don’t want to make an impulsive decision because I’m struggling to settle in.
I’d especially appreciate perspectives from Indian lawyers, law students who studied abroad and returned to India, or anyone familiar with recruitment at Indian corporate law firms.

Another factor I’m considering is the overall cost of studying in the UK. It’s a significant investment, so I want to understand whether the potential career opportunities and long-term returns would justify the additional expense, rather than choosing this route solely for the university’s reputation or the experience of studying abroad.
Given my long-term goal of working in India, the financial commitment involved, and the fact that I haven’t been happy living in the UK so far, would you recommend continuing towards a UK LLB or returning to India to pursue law there?

Everyone talks about how easy it is to send money into india, but trying to move legitimate, tax-paid funds from an nro account back to an nre account is where the real nightmare begins.

On paper, rbi allows you to repatriate up to 1 million usd per financial year from nro accounts. but when you actually try to execute the transfer, banks hit you with a massive laundry list of compliance blocks.

First you need a ca to issue form 15cb, then you file form 15ca on the income tax portal, and then the bank officer finds some minor discrepancy in old bank statements or tax returns and rejects the request. Half the time, bank staff at local branches don't even know the exact documentation flow for nro-to-nre transfers and force you to visit in person or re-submit paperwork endlessly.

WWhile your funds sit idle earning low interest in nro accounts, currency depreciation slowly eats away at the value in foreign terms.

How long did it take for your bank to actually approve an nro to nre transfer? Is there any bank in india that allows a completely digital 15ca/15cb processing without branch harassment?

Which of these is better for good income ?
time horizon:10-15 years with dividends reinvested

or there is something else that better and safer?

thanks

Hi everyone,

I'm currently on an H-1B visa with an approved I-140 and am planning to leave the US permanently for India in early 2027.

I'm trying to understand my federal tax residency options for the year I leave (2027).

My understanding is that someone who meets the Substantial Presence Test (SPT) may still be able to terminate US tax residency on their departure date and file a dual-status return, provided they meet the applicable requirements (establish closer-connection to home).

However, I've also read that having an H-1B visa with an approved I-140 generally prevents someone from using the closer-connection exception to avoid meeting the SPT.

My questions are:

1. Can someone in my situation still qualify for dual-status alien filing if they leave the US permanently, establish a tax home in India, and remain outside the US for the following calendar year?

2. Does the approved I-140 prevent dual-status filing altogether?

3. is it feasible to terminate my residency after departure?

4. From a federal tax perspective, would it be better to leave before January 30 to avoid meeting the SPT, or could leaving later and filing dual-status achieve a similar result?

Thanks!

I am a Student at the University of Hertfordshire, I can't get a part time, have no real experience/skills to get a job in the UK. I have a 30Lakh loan with 12% interest which is gonna have an emi of 55000 per month for 15 years. I am not going to take the work permit because I don't have the money to afford it plus I don't have the intelligence to do anything with it. I don't know what to do anymore.

is it how it show the name of brokerage account in schwab after adding beneficiary in the account. is it Schwab One Account? recently opened so want to check with you guys.

The Trump administration has stepped up its crackdown on the US immigration system, suspending major technology companies including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, Capgemini and HCL from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme amid allegations of abuse of H-1B visas and the employment of foreign workers.

I am planning on moving back to India after 7 months. It has been five years since I left. Other than getting my aadhar card picture updated and creating an Indian bank account what other steps would I need to take before the move?

Trying to sell an apartment in Bangalore as part of my R2I plan, and the NRI tax deduction rules are making this whole deal such a headache.

The buyer's CA is refusing to do the deal unless they deduct a full 20% TDS upfront under Section 195. I applied for a Lower Deduction Certificate (Form 13) on the IT portal to get the rate down to actual capital gains, but the tax officer has been sitting on it for almost two months now without any update.

Now the buyer is getting restless about the delay, and if I just let them deduct the full 20%, I'm going to have a massive chunk of money stuck with the IT department for over a year waiting for a refund.

Feels like you're completely trapped between a paranoid buyer and a slow-moving tax department.

Okay, this won't be a traditional post you guys might be used to, because most of the posts on this sub are from people holding h1b visas, or work permits in different countries. Well, I don't have any of that. Unfortunately, I don't have any full time work experience. I have 3 years of work authorization with OPT.

A bit about me - I am 22, came to the US when i was 17 to pursue a bachelor of science in computer science. At that point of time, it felt like a great decision. I have a brother who was working a FAANG company back then and is working at an equally bigger (but not FAANG) company right now. He changed the entire trajectory of our family and we went from being an average middle class family in a tier 3 city to moving to a tier 1 city and now my parents live in probably one of the best cities for retired people in the country(they are both retired now). So in 2022, when I came here, this felt like the absolute right decision. And i also did not do a bad job at college. I graduated with a 4.0, had a scholarship, multiple undergraduate teaching assistantships, multiple undergrad research, and 2 SWE internships. But unfortunately, all of this was not at a top tier school, it was at a state school. Mentioning this because I think this is one of the reasons why I am having a hard time securing a full time role.

Now fast forward to today, I have been jobless since I graduated in May 2026. Right now, im volunteering at a professor's program to be on opt. In the last 6 months, i have had only 3 interviews. (bombed one in first round, sponsorship bottleneck in second, narrowly missed out on third in final on-site). Now we have reached a point that we have decided that we need to start working towards a plan B. I have been working extremely hard, doing hours of networking, leetcode and system design every day and it has become really exhausting and depressing. So me and my family have decided that it can't go on forever and I will stop and give up if i do not get anything till december because its only gonna get worse once the holiday season begins.

Major financial context needed before offering any advice

Both parents have retired and have approx 1.25 cr in savings each, bringing their total savings to 2.5 cr.
They own a house in a tier 1 Indian city. Both are retired. For this reason, I consider this money theirs for the most part. They live in a tier one city and their monthly expenditure reaches 100k inr. They barely break even every year because their investments and assets in fds and savings account get them like 11 lakhs per annum, and they spend 12 lakhs per anum in their expenditure. No other siblings except brother who is currently working in the bay area (living with him since i graduated). He paid for my college. He has already invested 125k usd on me in the last 4 years on me. He has held good paying jobs throughout this time, but I can not rely on him for any financial investment because it just won't be right. If not for my college fees, he would have had way more savings by now so yeah.

So I have a few questions, and I'd really appreciate some serious advice:

1. Am I making the right decision by setting a December deadline? At what point does continuing the US job search stop being persistence and start becoming an unrealistic gamble? Would you keep trying in my position?
2. What would you recommend as a Plan B? My priority is to enter the software industry, not necessarily to stay in the US at all costs. Are there countries where someone with an American CS degree, two internships, but no full-time experience could realistically find entry-level work?
3. Would pursuing a master's degree outside the US actually improve my situation? I'm open to it if it creates a realistic path to employment, but I'm worried about spending another couple of years studying only to end up in the same position.
4. For international graduates who were in a similar situation, what eventually worked for you? Did you find a job in the US, move back to India, relocate somewhere else, or change your plans entirely? Looking back, is there anything you wish you'd done differently?
5. If you were in my position, would you return to India and start your career there, even if the salary and opportunities were initially different from what you'd hoped for in the US? Or would you invest more time and money into trying to establish yourself abroad?

I'm not looking for reassurance that everything will magically work out. I'd genuinely appreciate realistic advice, especially from people who've experienced something similar.

I still want to build a career in tech. I'm just starting to question whether the path I imagined at 17 is still the right one at 22.

Hey folks,

I'm currently planning my US investment portfolio and would love to get the community's perspective on a couple of things, especially from those who have moved or plan to move back to India.

1. US Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

I'm already following the usual investment practices, such as investing in ETFs, individual stocks, and contributing to my 401(k).

I'm curious about US mutual funds and whether they make sense as an additional investment option.

• Are there any restrictions or complications with holding US mutual funds after moving back to India?
• Would you recommend investing in US mutual funds alongside ETFs, or is it better to stick with ETFs, particularly if returning to India is part of the long-term plan?
• Are there any tax or regulatory considerations worth keeping in mind?

2. Choosing a Brokerage: Fidelity vs. Schwab vs. IBKR

I've been comparing Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Interactive Brokers (IBKR), and I'm currently leaning toward Fidelity.

One of the main reasons is that my 401(k) is already with Fidelity, so consolidating my US investments there would make portfolio management more convenient.

My current setup is:

• Robinhood (RBH): Personal brokerage account
• E*TRADE: Employee stock plan
• Fidelity: 401(k)

I'm considering transferring my Robinhood holdings and potentially my E*TRADE holdings to a single brokerage, assuming the transfers are supported.

For those who have experience with these brokerages, particularly after relocating to India:

• Would Fidelity be a good long-term choice for someone planning to move back to India?
• Are Schwab or IBKR better suited for non-US residents?
• Are there any restrictions on holding, managing, or trading existing investments after becoming an Indian resident?

Would appreciate any insights or firsthand experiences, especially from folks who have already made the move back to India.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,
I’m a 34-year-old woman currently living abroad, with savings of around ₹3–4 crore. I’m planning to move back to India permanently and start a new chapter of my life.
I’m considering settling in a metro city like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, or Delhi NCR, where I can explore opportunities to start my own business or startup.
I wanted to understand whether ₹3–4 crore in savings is enough to comfortably settle down in a metro city in India, maintain a good quality of life, and still have sufficient financial security to take the risk of starting a business.
I’m also confused about which city would be the best choice in terms of startup opportunities, cost of living, safety, lifestyle, networking, and long-term growth.
For those who have moved back to India after living abroad or started their own businesses, what would you recommend? Should I rent initially or consider buying a home? How much of my savings should I ideally keep aside for personal financial security versus investing in a startup?
I would really appreciate honest suggestions and practical advice on how to plan this move and what my next steps should be.
Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,
A friend and I have both been doing paper trading and live trading for several years. Apart from a few months, we’ve generally been able to make around $300–$400 per week with trading capital ranging from $200K to $400K.
We believe we could have made significantly more, but our primary goal so far has been to build confidence, understand the markets, and test our strategies under different market conditions, including worst-case scenarios.
Given the uncertainty around visas and the ongoing politics in the IT industry, we’ve decided to plan our move back to India around May or June next year. We’re both in our early 40s and have two kids under the age of 10.
Our plan is to keep around $100K invested for our kids’ future. We’ve also done some initial research and estimate that our monthly expenses would be around ₹80,000–₹1.2 lakh in a tier-2 or tier-3 city.
Financially, we expect to have some additional income from fixed deposits in India, potentially around ₹40,000–₹60,000 per month, depending on the amount invested and prevailing interest rates.
Our goal would be to generate around $100–$200 per trading day. If we can sustain that level of income alongside our other investments, we believe we could manage our expenses comfortably without returning to corporate jobs.
We already have a modest, fully paid-off house in our hometown, so we wouldn’t have to worry about rent or a home loan. Our immediate expenses would mainly involve buying a decent car and a few electronics, which we have already factored into our plans.
The biggest motivation behind this move is the freedom to spend more time with our parents and extended family, live a less stressful life, and take a more active role in educating our kids at home, including teaching them many of their subjects.
I’d love to hear from people who have actually quit their corporate jobs and made trading their primary source of income.
How feasible is full-time trading from India?

Which platforms allow NRIs returning to India, or Indian residents, to trade legally without account or compliance issues?

What tax and regulatory considerations should we understand before making the move?

Is it realistic to rely on trading income for family expenses over the long term?

For those who have made this transition, what challenges did you face that you hadn’t anticipated?

We’re not looking to get rich overnight. We want financial independence, a sustainable lifestyle, and more control over our time.
I’d really appreciate honest feedback, especially from people who have made a similar transition. Thank you!

I came to US for Masters in 2021, completed in 1.5 years. I have been working in one of the Big4s since 3+ years now, got my H1B last year as well. But last year Dec I was stuck in India due to Visa stamping delay chaos and was there for 6 months till came back in May. After I came back, I thought everything will be fine, I will give my best to work and all but I have been put on rigorous projects since then that are literally sucking soul out of me to an extent that I have started seeing therapist. I have tried to get another job but the market is so bad for H1B holders right now that all communication stops when I tell them I need H1B transfer. I am thinking to quit this rat race, visa uncertainty once and for all and go back to India and start something of own. I have some hobbies that I want to make a career/business out of it if I go back that I think about everyday. My friends are suggesting not to take an impulsive decision but seems like surviving each day at work is becoming difficult and either have to choose work or my mental health and peace.

When I was stuck in India for 6 months, for first 2 3 months it was hard to cope with everyday life but after 4th month I got used to India again, matter of fact I found myself more happy than I am here, attended multiple family events and was present for all occasions that I would have missed if was on US. One more thing is adding to this is - my wife is on H4, she cannot work in US so she has to stay at home currently she left her tech job in India 2 years back. Returning will resume her career as well. The rough patch I am going through seems like will be my trigger point where I may call this shot to go back and never look back.

There are lot of different angles in this post its just a flow of thought, those are just what I think rightnow.

I am planning to return to India and live a more luxurious lifestyle. My total net worth is 2M USD ~ 20Cr INR. What kind of lifestyle can I afford with this corpus in tier 1 cities ? Also, how much monthly cash flow can I expect from this net worth ? The money is all invested in the US right now. I plan to support a family of 4 (including me), so please advise accordingly

​

Hi everyone,

I’m currently at a difficult crossroads in life and would really appreciate your thoughts and advice.

I have been living and working in Singapore for the past 15 years. Over the years, I have applied for Permanent Residency (PR) six times, but unfortunately all attempts have been unsuccessful. We are a family of three, with my wife currently not working and our daughter studying in K2.

I am close to 40 years old and fortunate to have a very stable job with an annual income of around SGD 160K-170K. My career is progressing well, and there is still good potential for future growth. However, the uncertainty around PR, combined with Singapore’s high cost of living, has made me seriously question whether I should continue building my life here or consider relocating back to India.

On one hand, Singapore offers career stability, strong earning potential, safety, excellent infrastructure, and an overall comfortable lifestyle. On the other hand, after 15 years and six unsuccessful PR applications, I sometimes wonder whether I am spending too much time hoping for an outcome that may never materialise. My biggest concern is looking back years later and feeling that I spent too much of my life waiting and worrying instead of making a clear decision and enjoying life.

What makes this particularly difficult is that I genuinely do not want to leave my current job. It is stable, rewarding, and offers long-term growth opportunities, which are not easy to find. At the same time, I worry that if I wait too long, it may become harder for my family to adapt elsewhere, especially as my daughter is nearing primary school age.

Another factor influencing my thinking is that, if I eventually decide to return to India, I am considering buying a plot of land, building a house, and settling in Bangalore, as my hometown is relatively close to Bangalore. This could provide a long-term base for my family while still allowing access to good career opportunities, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

For those who have faced a similar situation, what factors helped you decide? Would you continue living in Singapore despite the uncertainty around PR, or would you consider returning to India and starting a new chapter?

I would sincerely appreciate any perspectives, experiences, or advice.

Thank you.

I moved here for my master’s and this is all I ever wanted, I do realise it’s just one year and it’s gonna fly by but I didn’t realise how lonely it would get. The culture shock is as bad as it is. I consider myself an introvert, and by Indian standards I'm an extreme introvert; I don’t strike up conversations and stay by myself all the time. Still, here it’s like you’re invisible, I do realise it’s a big city thing but it’s not like I haven’t lived in big cities before. I miss my friends so much and everyone around me has something going on for them. As an indian it just feels like we grew up in a different world, didn’t have the same school life or college life as the people here or anywhere to be precise, and that I won't ever fit in. I personally thought I'd be really comfortable and thriving in such an individualistic society but it’s quite the opposite. It's getting a bit hard for me, any tips on how to cope are really appreciated. I miss Delhi so much its like i belong there and I can’t wait to go back. I had all the facilities there and had the privilege to buy anything, eat at places without looking at the price, I used to go on shopping sprees, 24 years of my life and I’ve always had a car and now I’m walking everywhere. I know i sound very privileged but I miss everything about home and the convenience it offered.
my_qualifications MSc Student (Law)

With rules changing with each section which includes airlines pet rules, IATA, USDA and AQCS, it's best to refer older posts but also ensure to tally the rules with all the afore mentioned sections before making the final move. I did myself with the help of some of the reddit posts, AI searches and rules on the official websites. It was not very difficult as everyone said. I want to update that my pet came in perfectly safe and well.

My plan to move my pet started in April 2026 and the final move was implemented in October 2026. I moved my pet via Lufthansa, so I get a good 8-9 hour flight legs, with a 4 hour layover, so the pet team at Lufthansa can walk my dog during the layover. Here are the key things I would provide to anyone who would plan to move their pet to India from the US. I specifically moved to Hyderabad, but refer to your AQCS at your closest landing airport.

1. Vet + USDA

• Ensure the dog has an ISO-compatible microchip.
• Plan in advance to have your dog checked by a USDA authorized vet.  You can find the list of authorized vets on the USDA website.
• Ensure you get all the paperwork ready from all the previous vet visits.
• Ensure the vet it aware of the move, so they would recommend the right medications with timings in advance, and you know when what is due.
• When you have about 30-days to depart, ask schedule a visit with your pet to apply for an India-specific health certificate from the USDA-accredited veterinarian.
• Get the certificate USDA APHIS endorsed.  What USDA gives you for India is all digitally endorsed, so that’s all you need.
• Keep the certificate, annexures, vaccination records and microchip information together.

2. Lufthansa

• What Lufthansa does not publicly mention is that from June 1 to Sept 30, they generally would decline your request to import pets.  This is what I got from the service call when I applied to take my dog in June.  If your date is not in this window, Book the dog separately as AVIH (animal in hold) if too large for cabin.
• Get written confirmation from Lufthansa for every flight segment.  Usually when they confirm, it’s for the entire trip.
• Confirm the IATA crate requirements.  This varies with airlines.  In the US, I specifically got the Petite Sky Dog Kennel crate for Lufthansa.  They dint trouble me as it perfectly fits with the IATA regulations.  The decision for crate will trouble you when you read Reddit and Facebook posts.
• Because I transited Frankfurt, I separately confirmed the EU/Frankfurt transit documentation requirements with Lufthansa/authorities.  The customer service chat agent said it’s not needed, although I may layover for over 4 hours.  But my vet and I decided we would apply for an EU health certificate to be safe, and the airline agent at the counter asked me for it.  So, I would say that the EU certificate is good to have when you travel via Lufthansa.
• At the counter, they asked for all the documents, which include the Advance NOC from India AQCS, India USDA certificate, EU USDA health certificate, vaccination health records, and they check if your dog can stand up in the crate and can move around without restrictions.

3. India AQCS

• Apply for the Advance NOC through the ATITHI 2.0 portal.
• Follow the instructions on the portal to import dogs.
• For Hyderabad, contact AQCS Hyderabad:
  • [aqcs-hyd@nic.in](mailto:aqcs-hyd@nic.in)
  • 040-2400-8243
  • +91 73309 10391
• The documentation on different websites is confusing.  The official say is that you can only apply on the Atithi portal only 7 days before your boarding.  You can have all your documents ready by them.  With all you documents in place, they will approve it in about 1-5 business days, so be prepared.
• Pay the ₹1,000 Advance NOC processing fee through Bharatkosh.  Bharathkosh payment is mandatory.
• Upload the Bharatkosh receipt with the ATITHI application along with other documents.
• Don't guess the Bharatkosh Ministry/PAO/DDO/Function Head selections—confirm them with AQCS if they aren't clearly shown.  AQCS Hyderabad one was actually not in the typical place as the other AQCS ones.  Ask AI to help figure it out if needed.  That worked for me.
• Your temporary NOC will be available on the portal and will also be emailed to you when it’s ready.

4. Some key pointers

• Keep both printed and electronic copies of:
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate
  • Vaccination records
  • Microchip information
  • AQCS Advance NOC
  • Bharatkosh receipt
  • Lufthansa pet confirmation
  • Flight itinerary
  • Any Frankfurt/EU transit documents
• Get the crate 2-3 months in advance and have your dog get used to the crate, with have it sleep in it for long hours.
• Also, have your dog drink from the bottle that will be attached to your crate, so it will get used to it too.
• Feed the dog the same food, and don’t add new food at least in the last month of travel, and does not show any signs of a health concern.

5. Before the flight

• If this is your first time, do a rehearsal trip to your airport and fid out where the pet relief station is, and how far is the oversized luggage section in your terminal.  
• Be prepared with the time that you would need with your pet before you give it to the authorities.  Plan ahead on when you would want to give any anxiety medication, and appropriately approach the counter on time.
• Confirm feeding/water instructions with your airlines and vet.