Indian professional describes H-1B lottery stress as 'permanent subscription'

A 29-year-old Indian professional working in US has described the stress of repeated H-1B lottery failures as a “permanent subscription”, in a viral Reddit post cited by the American Bazaar. The user said he moved to US for a master’s degree during what he called “one of the worst job markets ever”. He completed his course in around 1.5 years, supported himself through on-campus work, and later secured a full-time role at a top bank while working under Optional Practical Training (OPT). He said he initially took an education loan of about $40,000, which he later fully repaid, and slowly built savings of nearly $100,000. However, despite financial stability and a steady job, he said the uncertainty around his immigration status continued to dominate his life. “On paper it sounds great… but the visa anxiety is basically a permanent subscription at this point,” the Reddit user wrote. After three unsuccessful attempts in the H-1B lottery, he said the emotional strain had become difficult to manage. “At this point I’m convinced my name is just not in the simulation,” he said. He added: “Mentally it’s exhausting doing everything ‘right’ and still having your future decided by a random draw.” The user added that he may now consider an internal transfer back to India, where he could earn around Rs 30,00,000 (or $35,300) a year in his home city. He said the idea of returning also came with the appeal of being closer to family and no longer having to track immigration updates constantly. “Finally live a life where I don’t check ‘H1B news’ like it’s stock market earnings,” he wrote, adding, “Also yes… MARRIAGE pressure has officially entered the chat.” The post sparked discussion among other Indian professionals in similar situations, many of whom shared their own experiences of burnout, uncertainty, and plans to return to India after years in US. He said he had achieved what many would consider professional success, but still struggled with constant stress. “My stats: Came for my Masters, survived a dumpster-fire job market, and worked my way up to a Lead Manufacturing Engineer role at a startup. On paper, it’s the dream—Lead title, 100% debt-free, and a solid USD nest egg. But like you said, the visa anxiety is a background noise that never shuts off.” He added that the possibility of returning to India had already brought some relief. “The ‘relief’ has already started kicking in just by booking the flight.” This comes as hundreds of applicants are facing delays in their H-1B visa processing due to high petition volumes, increased Requests for Evidence (RFEs), stricter USCIS scrutiny of specialty occupations, and additional security and background checks under the Trump administration.