An Indian entrepreneur, Aniruddha, has shared how his life took a remarkable turn after switching from an H-1B visa to a B-1 visa, calling it a decision that “brought back control and excitement” to his professional journey. His personal story, shared through an Instagram video, has resonated widely, especially amid new visa fee rules announced by the US government.

 

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A post shared by Aniruddha (@growwith_ani)

A Turning Point After Nine Years on H-1B

In his viral video, Aniruddha revealed that he spent nine years in the United States on an H-1B visa before deciding to change course. Reflecting on that time, he described life as restrictive and uncertain. He said that under the H-1B, he could not start his own business, was allowed to visit India only once a year, and had to renew his visa every three years while living under the constant fear of changing government policies.

He described it as being “stuck in the corporate loop” and admitted that everyday life had become monotonous and stressful. The lack of autonomy, he said, made him feel “like a slave” despite working in one of the world’s most dynamic tech sectors. For many Indian professionals on the same visa, his words struck a chord, highlighting familiar challenges such as limited flexibility, dependence on employer sponsorship, and the long green card waiting period.

Finding Freedom with a B-1 Visa

Aniruddha then explained how shifting to a B-1 visa transformed his life both professionally and personally. The B-1 visa, typically meant for short-term business visits, allowed him to visit the United States for meetings, conferences, and networking — without being tethered to a single employer.

He said he now runs his own Limited Liability Company (LLC) legally, travels from India to the US twice a year, and enjoys the benefits of a ten-year visa validity. “Life feels in my control and exciting every day,” he said, describing the contrast between his experiences. Unlike before, he no longer worries about visa renewals or sudden policy shifts that could affect his livelihood.

Aniruddha also shared that he now resides in India full-time but continues to travel overseas for professional engagements. His work model reflects a growing trend among Indian entrepreneurs who build and manage cross-border businesses remotely, leveraging flexible visa categories to maintain global networks.

Encouraging others to take risks, he concluded his message by saying, “All I did was take a leap of faith and make the jump.” He hinted at sharing more details on how he executed the switch, inviting viewers to follow his updates on social media.

Policy Shifts and Professional Reactions

The timing of Aniruddha’s post coincided with a major policy move by US President Donald Trump, who announced a one-time fee of $100,000 (around ₹88 lakh) for every new H-1B visa application. The decision has sparked strong reactions across business and tech circles, especially in India, where professionals account for nearly 70 per cent of H-1B visa holders in the US.

Many in the Indian tech community view the latest order as a measure that directly limits their access to global opportunities. Industry experts have warned that such policies could prompt skilled workers to explore alternative visa options, remote work models, or return to India to pursue independent ventures — much like Aniruddha did.

His story has since been shared widely online, with discussions building around the idea of “professional freedom over dependence”. For several young Indian professionals facing similar visa struggles, his narrative offers both a practical perspective and emotional reassurance. It underlines how taking control of one’s career path can sometimes mean stepping away from traditional migration routes and embracing more flexible ways of working.

As he continues to inspire others, Aniruddha’s journey stands as a reflection of changing work dynamics between India and the US, where entrepreneurship, autonomy, and borderless careers are becoming increasingly valued over conventional corporate pathways.

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