Why Indians Still Prefer the U.S. (H-1B VISA) Over India And Why the Tide Is Turning

India or the U.S.? The Career Dilemma

Every year, thousands of Indian professionals face a life-shaping question: should they build a career in a rapidly modernizing India or pursue the dream of working in the United States? The U.S., with its H-1B visa pathway, has long been the magnet higher salaries, world-class labs, and residency prospects. But 2025 looks different: India itself is becoming a global hub of innovation, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.

H-1B Visa 2025: Still Popular, But Tougher

The H-1B visa is a U.S. work visa allowing skilled foreign professionals, especially in tech or specialized fields, to live and work in the U.S. temporarily, usually for three years.

Despite the $100,000 application fee and stricter wage-based rules, Indians remain the largest H-1B recipients (71% of approvals in 2025). Top tech firms like Amazon, TCS, and Microsoft still depend on Indian talent.

Why professionals still look at the U.S.:

• 4–6x higher pay packages
• Global research exposure
• Residency pathways

But the challenges are real: higher costs, tougher selection rules, and dependence on company sponsorship. For many, the American dream is still attractive but less accessible than before.

India’s Rise From Backup Option to Global Opportunity

1. Startup India Revolution

• From 500 startups in 2014 to nearly 191,000 in 2025.
• 1.77 million+ jobs created.
• Supported by a ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds and ₹945 crore Seed Fund.
  India now stands in the world’s top 3 startup ecosystems, giving young founders a launchpad once available only abroad.

2. MSMEs: Job Creators for Bharat

• 6.44 crore MSMEs employing 26.7 crore people.
• FY26 allocation: ₹23,168 crore for MSME ministry.
• Easier credit, women-focused guarantees, and digitalisation reforms.
  This sector is fueling grassroots entrepreneurship at scale.

3. Make in India & Manufacturing Push

• 100% FDI allowed in most sectors.
• PLI schemes covering EVs, electronics, aerospace, and pharma.
• Government vision of “Vocal for Local” and Swadeshi supply chains.
  This is not just policy it’s a signal that India wants to become the factory of the world.

GST 2.0: Lower Taxes, Higher Growth

GST 2.0 Rolled out in 22 September 2025, GST 2.0 simplified slabs and reduced costs for entrepreneurs.

• Lower GST on renewable energy parts, EV components, and food processing units.
• Compliance relief for MSMEs and small businesses.
• Expected demand boost: ₹1.98 lakh crore.

These reforms directly benefit entrepreneurs who once looked abroad for a business-friendly tax regime.

Reader takeaway:

• For short-term financial gains, the U.S. still has an edge.
• For long-term growth, impact, and independence India is now a real contender.

Real Stories: Two Futures

Rohit’s U.S. Story: A Pune developer earns $140,000 at a U.S. tech giant. The salary changes his life but he faces visa restrictions and uncertainty about permanent residency.

Meera’s India Story: An Indore entrepreneur uses Startup India grants and GST 2.0 benefits to launch a solar startup. Within 18 months, she employs 40 locals and secures expansion funding.

Both stories are valid. But the difference is Meera builds in India, for India, with global potential.

The Road Ahead: India’s Decade

To truly reverse brain drain, India must:

1. Raise domestic salaries in high-skill sectors.
2. Expand research infrastructure.
3. Simplify business rules further.
4. Incentivize the diaspora to return.

Final Thought:
The U.S. may still look like the land of immediate rewards. But India today is not the India of 2005. With reforms, capital inflows, and startup energy, staying back may soon feel less like compromise and more like opportunity.

Q: What is the H-1B visa and who can apply?
A: H-1B is a U.S. work visa for skilled professionals in specialty fields, allowing temporary employment, usually up to three years, often extended to six.

Q: What changes were made to the H-1B program in 2025?
A: In 2025, a $100,000 fee was introduced for new H-1B applications, with lottery preference for higher-wage applicants, targeting more skilled, high-paying jobs.

Q: Why do many Indian professionals still consider working in the U.S.?
A: The U.S. offers higher salaries, advanced research opportunities, and potential permanent residency, despite visa restrictions, higher costs, and company-dependent sponsorship requirements.

Q: How has India’s startup ecosystem grown recently?
A: From 500 startups in 2014 to nearly 1.92 lakh in 2025, India now ranks top 3 globally, generating 1.79 million+ jobs and strong government funding.

Q: How significant is India’s MSME sector and what support does it have?
A: MSMEs employ 26.7 crore people across 6.44 crore enterprises. FY26 allocation is ₹23,168 crore, with easier credit, digital reforms, and women-focused guarantees.

Q: What initiatives are boosting India’s manufacturing and “Make in India”?
A: India allows 100% FDI in most sectors, offers PLI schemes across 14 industries, and pushes “Vocal for Local” to become a global manufacturing hub.

Q: What is GST 2.0 and how will it help businesses and consumers?
A: GST 2.0 simplifies slabs, lowers taxes on essentials, reduces compliance for MSMEs, and could boost consumption by ₹1.98 lakh crore in FY26.

Q: What should Indian professionals consider when choosing India vs. U.S. for their career?
A: The U.S. offers short-term high pay and exposure; India provides growing startups, reforms, and long-term impact opportunities, though salaries start lower.