Watch: Indian Techie Leaves H-1B After 9 Years, Says B-1 Visa Gave Him ‘Freedom’
Watch: Indian Techie Leaves H-1B After 9 Years, Says B-1 Visa Gave Him ‘Freedom’
For nearly ten years, Aniruddha lived what many would call the “American Dream.” He worked in the United States on an H-1B visa, one of the most popular work visas for Indian tech professionals. But over time, the dream began to feel more like a cage. The constant stress of renewals, immigration rules, and limited freedom pushed him to make a bold decision to leave the H-1B behind and switch to a B-1 business visa. And that, he says, changed his life completely.
Why Did He Leave the H-1B Visa?
In a post shared on Instagram, Aniruddha opened up about how his life felt restricted while living in the U.S. under the H-1B visa. He said he spent nine long years tied to one employer, unable to explore his passion for entrepreneurship. “I was on an H1B visa for nine years and then switched to a B1 visa, and that’s when my life completely changed,” he wrote.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers, especially in technology, engineering, and research. But for many, it also brings limits. As Aniruddha explained, he couldn’t start his own business or work on side projects. “Life was mundane, felt like a slave,” he shared, describing how the visa rules kept him from trying new things or taking control of his career.
How Did Switching to a B-1 Visa Change His Life?
After nearly a decade of living by immigration deadlines, Aniruddha decided to take what he called a “leap of faith.” He switched to a B-1 business visa—a visa meant for short-term business visits, conferences, and meetings.
Since making the change, he says his life has completely transformed. “Running my own LLC legally, travelling twice a year to the US from India, visa valid for 10 years, no stress about policy changes, enjoying entrepreneurship. Life feels in my control and is exciting every day,” he wrote.
Aniruddha now lives full-time in India, where he manages his own business and travels to the U.S. for conferences and meetings. The freedom to work on his own terms, without depending on an employer, has made him feel more fulfilled.
What Are People Saying About His Choice?
Aniruddha’s post quickly went viral, with many people sharing their thoughts. Some praised his courage to step away from the traditional path. They said it was inspiring to see someone choose freedom over stability. Others, however, raised questions about how practical or legal such a move might be in the long run.
The discussion shows how emotional the topic of U.S. work visas can be, especially for Indians who dream of working abroad. While the H-1B offers security and a path to a long-term stay, it often ties professionals to one company and limits independence. The B-1, on the other hand, offers flexibility but comes with its own boundaries; it doesn’t allow direct employment or earning money inside the U.S.
Aniruddha’s experience has sparked a larger conversation about what people really want: security or freedom. As he summed it up in his post, it’s not just about where you live, but how free you feel while living there.
