Indian Professionals Leave US Over H-1B Visa Restrictions

Indian professionals are increasingly leaving the United States due to the restrictive nature of the H-1B visa program and broader immigration uncertainties. Disha Lamba, a former data scientist at CVS Health Corporation, resigned from her six-figure position in New York and returned to Gurugram, India, in May 2026. Despite being selected in the H-1B lottery in March 2026, Lamba cited chronic loneliness and the difficulties of obtaining visa stamps in India as primary drivers for her move. She noted that the visa limited her ability to switch employers or pursue additional income, making the ability to support her parents more valuable than her professional advantages in New York.

Similarly, Shreya Mishra Reddy departed the United States after failing to secure an H-1B visa over a four-year period. After her student work authorization expired in January 2026, Reddy left her role at Visa and moved to Toronto, Canada. She attributed her departure to a difficult job market for international students and immigration uncertainty, specifically citing a proposed $100,000 fee for companies hiring certain H-1B workers.

While Lamba is currently exploring opportunities in India, Reddy is weighing whether to settle in Canada or return to Indian cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Delhi. In response to visa concerns, the United States Department of State stated that its embassies and consulates are prioritizing the thorough vetting of all visa cases.