“No stress about policy changes”: Indian entrepreneur says switching from H-1B to B-1 visa completely changed his life

For many skilled professionals, the H-1B visa has long been the gateway to work in the United States, offering opportunities in some of the world’s largest multinational companies. But for Aniruddha, an Indian entrepreneur , the nine years he spent on an H-1B visa were marked by limitations, uncertainty, and a sense of being trapped.

“This is a true story. I was on an H-1B visa for nine years and then switched to a B-1 visa, and that’s when my life completely changed,” he wrote on Instagram.

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Life on H-1B: Opportunity, but at a cost

During his time on the H-1B visa, Aniruddha experienced restrictions that many visa holders know all too well. He could not run his own business legally. Travel to India was limited to once a year. Renewals came every three years, bringing with them constant anxiety about government policies. The corporate ladder offered stability, but it came at the price of autonomy. “Life was mundane, felt like a slave,” he said.

Recent policy changes in the United States have added to this uncertainty. Last month, the Trump administration introduced a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, a common pathway for skilled foreigners. In addition, the administration proposed replacing the lottery system with a selection process based on skill level and wages, a move aimed at preserving jobs for American citizens. For visa holders like Aniruddha, these shifts underscore the fragility of a career built on temporary permits.

Switching to B-1: Control and flexibility
The change came when Aniruddha transitioned to a B-1 business visa. Unlike the H-1B, the B-1 visa allows for temporary business-related travel to the United States without tying the holder to a specific employer. Aniruddha used it to legally run his own Limited Liability Company (LLC) from India while travelling to the United States twice a year for conferences. His visa is valid for ten years, eliminating the constant stress of renewals and policy changes. “Life feels in my control and exciting every day,” he wrote.

The B-1 visa is primarily designed for business visitors, those attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or participating in conferences. It is not intended for long-term employment in the United States, but for Aniruddha, it provided exactly the freedom he needed: The ability to build a business on his terms while maintaining a professional presence in the United States.

A calculated leap
For Aniruddha, the switch was not impulsive. It was a considered decision to regain control over his work and life. “All I did was take a leap of faith and make the jump,” he said. The move reflects a growing trend among Indian professionals and entrepreneurs who are exploring alternative visa options to balance career aspirations with personal freedom.

Aniruddha’s story highlights a broader point about mobility, regulation, and entrepreneurship. For H-1B holders, the visa opens doors but imposes structural constraints that can limit professional autonomy. For those willing to navigate alternative pathways like the B-1, there is an opportunity to redefine the relationship between location, work, and control.

While policies may change and uncertainty is a constant in global mobility, strategic choices can create flexibility. For Aniruddha, the switch from H-1B to B-1 was more than just a visa change. For others exploring alternatives, weighing their options could reveal whether a B-1 visa might offer similar benefits.