By Rajwa Quasim
An Indian data scientist left her six-figure job in New York and moved back to India, citing restrictions associated with the H-1B visa and her desire to be closer to her family.
Disha Lamba, 28, moved to the U.S. in 2021 to pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering at New York University. After spending about five years in New York, she resigned from her position as a data scientist at CVS Health and moved back to Gurugram, India, in May 2026. She landed the job after meeting a senior data scientist from CVS Health at a networking event who encouraged her to apply. The company also sponsored her H-1B visa, and her selection was confirmed in March 2026 through the lottery.
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She said that New York City reshaped her personality, making her more confident, independent and adventurous. She discovered a love for hiking that she had never known while growing up in India. But she ultimately decided to leave the country and return to India.
Despite all the gains, she felt lonely because her family was far away, and she had to schedule calls with them around the time difference. She wanted to be present for her family, especially during major milestones and if something happened at home.
The H-1B visa was another major reason for her return. She felt that the visa system could make international travel and employment changes more complicated. H-1B holders generally require visa stamping to return to the U.S. after international travel. Changing employers or even taking a career break can also involve immigration-related challenges. These restrictions made the prospect of living long term in the U.S. less attractive to Lamba. According to her, India would give her more flexibility and allow her to pursue a side hustle.
Since returning to India, she has taken a two-month career break, which she said would have been riskier on an H-1B visa. She is now exploring opportunities in India and considering starting her own business. She believes India also offers career opportunities similar to those in the U.S. and noted that major companies such as Mastercard and American Express have offices near her home.
Although she misses New York City’s skyline and public spaces, she said living with her family made the move worthwhile. Lamba’s story is one of many accounts highlighting the growing uncertainty faced by skilled Indian professionals in the U.S.
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The Trump administration has pursued tighter immigration policies, including increasing the cost of hiring skilled foreign workers. A proposed $103,265 employer fee on cap-subject H-1B petitions has raised concerns among international workers and employers. The proposal comes after the administration’s earlier $100,000 H-1B fee was blocked by a federal judge.
The H-1B visa is generally granted for three years. The Trump administration has reduced the annual visa limit to 65,000 for regular applicants and 20,000 for workers with advanced U.S. degrees. The administration is also considering ending work authorization for some spouses of H-1B visa holders.