45% of H-1B Indians in the US Would Return Home if Forced, 24% Fear Pay Cuts in India

New Delhi – A recent poll reveals growing uncertainty among Indians on H-1B visas in the US, with 45% saying they would return to India if forced to leave due to job loss, while 26% would consider relocating to another country. The survey, conducted on the anonymous professional app Blind between July 28 and August 8, 2025, found 29% remain undecided.

• Pay cuts (25%) and lower quality of life (24%) were the top concerns discouraging return.
• Other worries included cultural/family adjustments (13%) and fewer job opportunities (10%) in India.
• Only 35% of respondents would opt for a US work visa again, indicating reduced confidence in American immigration.
• Over one-third reported personal experiences of leaving the US after job loss, facing deportation risks during the short grace period.

Deportation Risks Rising

Traditionally, laid-off H-1B holders get 60 days to secure a new employer or change visa status.

Since mid-2025, some Notice to Appear (NTA) letters are being issued as early as two weeks into the grace period, risking permanent US bans.

Professionals are advised to leave immediately after job loss to avoid legal complications.

Policy and Political Context

Former President Donald Trump recently urged US companies to “stop hiring in India,” splitting opinions:

• 63% of US-based Indians believe it could benefit firms.
• 69% of India-based respondents think it would harm companies.

The US Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OMB) has cleared a proposal to revamp H-1B selection from a lottery to a wage-based system, prioritising higher-paying jobs.

Experts warn this could severely limit opportunities for recent graduates and entry-level positions.