I've spent 5 years building a life in the US. Even with an H-1B, I don't feel secure enough to buy a home or start a family.
An Indian national working at Amazon in the US shares his struggle with the H-1B visa system, noting that despite professional success, he feels unable to plan for long-term life goals like homeownership. He describes living in a state of constant uncertainty due to visa lottery changes.
Why it matters
Reflects the broader challenges faced by high-skilled immigrants in the US regarding visa insecurity and its impact on personal life planning.
Madhur Mehta received an H-1B approval in 2026. Courtesy of Madhur Mehta Madhur Mehta moved to the US in 2021. The last five years have taken a toll on him. After the government changed the H-1B lottery selection process , he made Plan B's in case he wasn't picked. His H-1B petition was approved in 2026, but he still feels like he can't plan ahead. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Madhur Mehta, 35, an Indian national living in Seattle and working at Amazon. The following has been edited for length and clarity. When I came to the US for my master's degree in August 2021, my goal was to have a stable career and join a good company. I wanted to grow professionally and personally, and support my family back home in India .
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