Radhika Agarwal took to her X account and said six years ago she gave up the L1 to come back to India, which was the 'best decision'.
Credit: X/@radhika_agar
A woman from Bengaluru recently shared her reasons for giving up L1 visa on a post on social media which has garnered attention online. L1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees to its offices in US.
Radhika Agarwal took to her X account and said six years ago she gave up the L1 to come back to India, which was the "best decision".
The post went viral amid H1-B visa fee hike after US President Donald Trump's order to impose a staggering $ 1,00,000 fee on the work visas.
"I've had my whole saga with the US visa system: 3 H1b lottery misses, cross-border long distance relationship through it all, finally getting L1 visa approval, and then deciding to come back home in '19, giving up the L1 I wanted so badly...," Radhika Agarwal wrote in the post.
Further she explained her reasons for returning to India.
"Learning from a rapidly evolving startup & VC ecosystem (both its mistakes & wins)", and "Close to parents in the moments that matter: celebrations, health scares, pandemics", she wrote while adding that India has a much deeper community, where there is "no feeling of being an 'outsider'".
"Can quit my job and take bigger career risks without wondering how that affects my visa status," her fourth point summarised her decision.
She also added a message for those who are looking for H1-B announcement, and if one should move back. "If you're looking at the new H1b announcement (or the climate in general) and wondering 'should I move back' - this is your sign to say HELL YES :)," she wrote.
The post garnered over 140k views and a flurry of comments.
"That is a great way to look at it. Instead of fearing the change and challenges, use it as a way to grow and becoming even better," a user commented.
Another user wrote, "Your journey highlights the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and life priorities."
"Good on you! Congratulations! Health and Family is most important," commented a third.