An NRI tech professional earning a high annual salary of $200,000 (approximately ₹1.6 crore) in the United States has been forced to return to India after failing to secure selection in the H-1B visa lottery. Now back home, he is struggling with a ₹40 lakh debt and facing challenges in India’s competitive job market.
The techie shared his situation on social media, posting on Reddit with the title, “Had to move back to India after not getting picked in H-1B. Struggling with tough tech interviews here.” He explained that his visa expired, and since his US-based company does not have an office in India, there was no possibility of an internal transfer, leaving him with no option but to return.
He described the sudden loss of a high income as a major shock. “The job market here is my biggest obstacle right now. The competition is intense. What surprised me the most is how difficult the interviews are. Compared to the US, the questions here feel far more advanced,” he wrote. He also mentioned that the pressure of repaying ₹40 lakh in debt is affecting his mental well-being.
The post quickly went viral, drawing responses from many users who offered advice. One user suggested, “Lower your salary expectations and focus on getting any job first.” Another commented, “Let go of the ego tied to your international experience and $200K salary. Even a ₹15–20 lakh package would be a good start now.”
Many advised him not to compare US salaries with Indian standards and to adjust his expectations according to the local market. The techie ended his post by seeking guidance on how to overcome this difficult phase.
