‘American dream is…’: Indian Redditors share dead-end in the US without an H-1B visa

An Indian Redditor shared the professional struggles they have to go through in the US unless they are selected in the H-1B visa lottery. The H-1B registration for 2027 opens on March 4 but the Redditor said the company already informed him that he won’t be sponsored, even though it won’t require a $100,000 fee as the Redditor is already in the US. “I arrived in the US in 2021. I was fortunate to secure an internship, worked extremely hard, and eventually earned a full-time offer. However, as layoffs began across the industry, my job offer was rescinded just as I was about to graduate in December. With very little time left, I pushed myself harder than ever and was able to secure another full-time opportunity,” the Redditor said adding that he was not selected in his third attempt either and he got another master’s to continue living in the US and working for the same company. “Now, just a month before the H-1B lottery registration period, I was informed that my company would not be able to sponsor me due to various reasons—even though they would not have incurred the significant sponsorship fees in my case. That moment made me realize that loyalty to an organization does not always guarantee stability. Sometimes, despite your dedication, you can still be left behind,” the Redditor said adding how his friends suggest marrying a US citizen for getting the visa “I do not support this idea, as I believe it is both unethical and illegal,” the Redditor said.

‘American dream is dead’

Other Redditors commented how the American dream is dead, and H-1B is just a matter of luck. Many social media users commented that they moved to Canada even after having a valid H-1B visa as there is no future of H-1B workers in the US either. “Literally got an email from HR that they wouldn’t be pursuing my H1B this year. I’m in the same boat as you, didn’t get selected 3 times but I moved to Canada instead. I’ve been here for the last 8 years. All my friends are in the US. I feel very alone here,” one commented.