After nearly a decade in the United States on an H-1B visa, Indian entrepreneur Aniruddha decided to switch to a B-1 business visa, a move he says “completely changed” his life. Sharing his experience on Instagram, he wrote, “I was on an H-1B visa for nine years and then switched to a B-1 visa — and that’s when my life completely changed.”
He described the limitations he faced while on an H-1B, one of the most sought-after work visas for Indian tech professionals. “I couldn’t start my own business, was limited to one annual trip to India, and lived with the constant stress of renewals and shifting immigration policies. Life was mundane – felt like a slave,” Aniruddha wrote.
Life on B-1: Freedom and Flexibility
Since switching to a B-1 visa, which permits short-term business visits, Aniruddha said he now has more control and flexibility in his life. “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 exciting every day,” he shared, adding that he now resides in India full-time and visits the US primarily for conferences.
Social Media Response
Aniruddha’s post quickly drew attention on social media, with many professionals expressing similar frustrations about the H-1B process or asking about the switch.
“But being in B1, you are not allowed to be engaged in any productive/income generating work. Then how will you run the business in US?” asked one user.
“Moving back to India to earn in dollar do makes sense, can you break down how much profit are you able to make annually?” enquired another Instagram user.