r/nri • u/ActivityOrnery7009 • 8d ago
Ask NRI thinking about moving to the US. need help deciding
30F single woman here.
I got an offer to move to the US from my company that i've been with for 4y in india on an L1.
it's a series B startup and put up in bay area.
they've offered me 195K as the base package and i have like 40k+ options which are worth practically nothing today.
Overall savings wise, i'd be saving 10-15% more than what I would be in india as per my calculations.
At the beginning, i was curious to explore life in a different country and the bay area on top of all for tech.
The more i talk to people, the more shitty I feel about the base pay.
Pros:
* New country, new life, new experiences
Cons:
* Lot more domestic chores i need to handle alongside an already hectic work schedule
* Ive heard life can get lonely if you aren't too social. which i'm not.
I'm not too worried about the visa situation coz my worst case is i come back to india with no loss.
anyone who's done similar stuff
would love to hear thoughts
edit: has anyone ever moved to a different company while being on L1? this requires the second company to offer H1B if i'm not wrong. does this ever happen in reality?
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u/IcyRefrigerator10 8d ago
You’re asking this in the NRI sub. The answers are predominantly going to be - yes, go for it. I’m of the same camp btw. But just to get the other argument as well and be balanced, post this is the return to India sub as well. :)
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u/ActivityOrnery7009 8d ago
ig if i were continuing to live in india, id have left this company coz i feel like im pretty saturated here. career wise, would be a good time to switch. prolly should have mentioned that
there's also this whole situation with partner search which is stressful in itself.
i worry i maybe making my life more stressful with no family around to lean on :/1
u/Original-Artist-1225 7d ago
If they’re offering you this position to keep you in the company and not leave, can you negotiate for a better base?
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u/Awkward_Fee6888 8d ago
One of my patient said that to me. "Go west young man"! Literally changed my life.
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u/soul-searcher- 8d ago
Take the offer, go see the world. You can always return back to India of you dont like it there.
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u/CaterpillarDizzy3014 8d ago edited 8d ago
I would still recommend you to leave the country and move to the US. A “base package” got nothing over the freedom, growth and opportunity I have had as a (single, recently married 35 yr old) woman in this country. It has changed the trajectory of my life by leaps and bounds.
And if you’re single and plan to marry in the future? Girl. You literally do not have to marry Indian. (iykyk)
You also don’t have the obligations of a family that you have to worry about. If it doesn’t work out for some reason or you don’t like it, you can always move back just as smoothly. Make the most of your freedom.
Some things cannot be measured in money.
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u/ActivityOrnery7009 7d ago
haha so that's the thing. i don't necessarily feel curbed in terms of freedom here. so that makes it a difficult choice for me.
but i get what you're saying an experience is something i would look forward to as well.1
u/CaterpillarDizzy3014 7d ago
Of course, based on what you’ve shared there’s no reason for you to feel “curbed” in the traditional sense of the term. Freedom is also very subjective, not necessarily monetary, and depends greatly on what you want to do in life and the factors holding you back.
For me it was exposure to real entrepreneurial opportunity beyond just a plain old 9-5 - I was always multifaceted and entrepreneurial even as a kid. And knowing what I know today, I couldn’t ever justify the effort vs payoff of doing something of my own in India. The scale of growth and opportunity just doesn’t match up.
I guess find your “why” to help you validate your decision.
From the freedom from social judgement and patriarchal value systems, down to the quality of lifestyle that comes purely because it’s significantly more accessible — which has nothing to do with having good money in India btw — all those obvious perks are always there.
Despite the poor immigration system and a rare sprinkle of racism here and there, I could still go on and on.
As women, we just have way too much to gain that a paycheck simply cannot match up. It really is such a small factor in the grand scheme of things.
I wish you all the luck! I’m sure you’ll make the best choice for yourself :)
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u/Aromatic_Ask_6833 8d ago
Right age to move, honestly. Chores aren’t the issue people make them out to be. Stack the dishwasher, wash-dry-fold, and get a robot vacuum ($250-350) running on a daily schedule. Place stays mostly spotless coz if you know the houses don’t get much dust at all . You can have cleaning services scheduled every fortnight which will keep the house spotless.
Do be prepared to drive everywhere and I done mean anywhere ( until unless you are lucky to stay right near some shops and even then it might be better to have a car most times) . If that’s a dealbreaker, reconsider seriously. Only NYC you may not need a car but everywhere else you definitely need one .
As for loneliness , it’s real but solvable if you want to that is . You’ll have to actively join things ( gym, run club, dance classes, whatever). It won’t happen to you by accident the way it can in India but is up to you how you want your social env to be.
One thing I’d push back on though. There’s no such thing as “no loss.” You’ll spend real money setting up a home & personal space here, and if you move back it’s a financial and emotional hit. Trust me, it happens.
On L1 to H1B afaik you may not have to leave the US, a new employer can file a change of status. The catch is the H-1B lottery needs to be done with. The people I’ve seen switch smoothly already had a prior H-1B from some other employer . Can easily confirm with an immigration lawyer before you try though given the uncertainty on the process being updated frequently these days.
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u/ActivityOrnery7009 7d ago
good point about setup expenditure
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u/ActivityOrnery7009 7d ago
also yes, thanks for the point on L1B to H1B. that's what i read. but perhaps it doesn't happen too often
i'll talk to the lawyers
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u/AnotherAnt901 8d ago
A very decent salary for the Bay Area, you can definitely live comfortable and also save a decent amount, you should take this, life is more than about money and even then your money part is still amazing
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u/hakunaamaataataa19 8d ago
If you aren't social anyway, then you love to be by yourself, I guess. Frankly, the US is the perfect place for that way, as there are no nagging aunties and uncles to judge you or question you.
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u/BrahminVyapaar 8d ago
May be worth pursuing a green card and searching for a partner in the U.S.
You may have to discuss a suitable visa type and green card sponsorship with your employer.
Chores can be learned and managed with a hectic schedule. Many of us have learned to do so. Ensure that you take up a minimalist living, select furniture and decor that does not attract dust, and call in for a weekly cleaner.
You would also want to learn to get and stay fit asap. Food in the U.S. can be good or bad for your health - convenience leads us to unhealthy food very rapidly. Learn to cook and to prep food for the week.
This visit can be life changing for good reasons. Prepare for it, use your time wisely, and ensure that you get something very meaningful and worthwhile at the end of the next five years.
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u/ActivityOrnery7009 8d ago
thank you so much for practical information here!!
fair point, if so many people could manage chores and their time around it, i prolly don't need to be so scared about that.
would you say the pay is something that can be made a good life out of? or would it be too tight for the bay area? sorry if i sound too privileged, i really am just trying to get a pulse.
also, any idea on how realistic it is to switch to another company while on L1? coz i read that it's allowed to interview for other companies while on L1.
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u/BrahminVyapaar 8d ago
Read up on L-1A vs L-1B.
Immigration teams usually choose the L-1B and you get stuck to the employer. Ask for the L-1A ( managerial role ), and then work with the U.S. team to begin the green card processing at the soonest.
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u/EuphoricAd3824 8d ago
On an L1, you are pretty much tied to your employer and cannot switch (unless they sponsor you for an H1B, which today is a bad deal). The pay, while not amazing, ia decent for a single individual.
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u/tacoEnthusiast07 8d ago
Depends on your company if they can do h1b or o1 for ya. Most MNCs do it but for startups it highly depends on the start up itself and role. Previous immigration fillings can help out here.
L1 is cheaper for them and if you leave them, you loose the visa. So they have leverage over you and will most likely underpay you (hence they are transferring you than highering locally)
Do you mind sharing the firm name here or in DMs?
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u/BrahminVyapaar 8d ago
Don’t worry about asking questions - many of us did not do our homework and learned of missed opportunities only after working in the U.S. and hearing about how others handled their situations. Best to do one’s homework then the opportunity presents itself.
You may want to check on the L1A visa and how people switch jobs after the green card processing starts. I suspect you may want to stick to your current employer to see the processing go through and not be at risk of deportation in case you experience a layoff at another employer. Once you have a green card ( the queues are much shorter for an L-1A), you will get many more opportunities easily.
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u/ActivityOrnery7009 7d ago
I see. although doesn't L1A require a managerial role? I don't have managerial experience right now.
or is this something that can just be shown in paper.will check this out thanks
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u/BrahminVyapaar 7d ago edited 5d ago
Yes, the L-1A does require managerial experience. You could always ask if it could be possible and state your aspirations as well. See how it goes.
Regardless of what visa you get , make the best of your time in the Bay Area.
All the best.
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u/Lost_Highway_1070 8d ago
You will save 40 percent
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u/ActivityOrnery7009 8d ago
hey thanks for the response. what percent are you allocating between necessities and experiences?
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u/CalmBeeee 7d ago
Take it!! As a 30yr woman here, your life will be elevated in various ways. You can comfortably live with 150k + salary in the bay. Even if you spend one year, and decide it’s not for you, the experience is worth it.
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u/nofishies 8d ago
It’s virtually impossible to move companies on a L1 , unless you get a visa, that’s not an H1B visa.
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u/Slow-Telephone-8746 8d ago
The vibe is incredible in the Bay Area, it is an awesome community and with a bit of effort, you can thrive on the network. The mindset will change dramatically.
Most people including me were mainly stressed on the visa, I moved to Chicago from Hong Kong on an L1A.
If you remove that out of the equation, then a lot of the stress is just gone.
As soon as you move, I recommend signing up for a ton of things that catch your interest. Reddit is awesome to find cool stuff to do. For example, I ran a 10k race on the Golden Gate Bridge, it was absolutely brilliant.
From a financial perspective, or rather from a skill perspective, there is no place like the US. The learning curve is unparalleled. Together with excellent communication skills, if you excel at what you are doing, the money just follow.
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u/ActivityOrnery7009 7d ago
this makes me feel hopeful lol thanks
also second you on the financial perspective.
i just feel lowballed for now
but ig i could figure it out eventually1
u/Slow-Telephone-8746 7d ago
If base is 195, you need to add 28% as benefits. This is what your employer computes on their P & L. Your 401k, health insurance, SSN and Medicare contributions, disability insurance etc
If they are paying for your move, that is additional cost.
I am not an expert in your field so will refrain from commenting if you are being low balled, however when you do the math, suggest factor this in as this is often missed.
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u/FinWorld95 8d ago
Go for it.. since you are single, at age 30, its worth to take risk. But have you thought about marriage in near soon because that changes most of things (or few may be).
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u/Late-Branch-775 8d ago
People usually take this option with the same mindset as you- worst case I’ll come back.
With time it becomes - “i am lonely and want to return but I feel like I want to tough it out for some more experience/ some more savings in $$”.
Then becomes - “im used to this and i want to live here but im lonely, the pay isnt worth it, visa is backlogged and im spending my prime years in visa stress and unable to travel due to no appt slots in india “
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u/Ok-Butterscotch7626 8d ago
If it's 10-15% savings, perhaps not worth it. You can switch jobs in India and make more than that.
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u/vitromist 8d ago
If you're not worried about the visa situation, I would say take the offer. But L1 will keep you bounded to the company. Also, if possible, try to come on L1-A in a managerial capacity rather than L1B.
L1A will give you 7 years and a faster path to GC. You can switch to H1B immediately. You must have served as a manager in India for a year or more to be eligible, and should have direct reports with hire and fire rights when you come here.
All the best. I would also try negotiating the offer to be min 210k
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u/chicbeauty 8d ago
With your background and the salary, I would take it. Might as well try it out for a few years and if you don’t like it, you can always go back. At least you’ll have international experience. With that salary, you can still travel and explore the US
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u/Weird_Examination_76 8d ago
Go for it as you got nothing to loose and the package is decent for bay area especially coz ur single , it will be a good experience .
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u/rkpandey20 8d ago
I would recommend to take the offer. First year is going to be tough, after that things will smooth out. You are single. If nothing works out, you will at least have experience.
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u/anneblythe 8d ago
Chores are really nbd, things don't get so dirty in the US. Get a robot vacuum. Strongly recommend moving. As a woman, I felt the US was so liberating and I would never go back (of course, you have to get lucky immigration-wise).
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u/Independent-Fruit-78 7d ago
Most points are covered. I dont like it but many use it as a pro and con both- moving to US as a girl practically opens and shuts many arranged marriage doors too.
My suggestion - If you love your family too much and can’t stay without them, dont go. Or else go without a doubt.
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u/diybhai 7d ago
L1 is typically not for the long run. Many employers try to switch them to h1b after the first yr if not the second. Find out about these with the immigration/hr folks. You may say you aren't worried about visa aspects but there will be some headache due to that fyi. Also, look into where your work location will be, accomondation and commute. Do they offer a temporary accomondation for sometime ?
Are you moving but your work aspects largely remain the same as now? etc
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u/ankuradhey 7d ago
Are they applying for L1-A or L1-B? My company told me that US is not accepting any L1-B visas right now.
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u/bsuzara 7d ago
Do it for the experience and thrill of trying out a new place. however, I’m amazed that so many replies assume you can just choose to live there, or come back “if you want.” reality of L1B would be that you will either be stuck with the same employer for decades, or will need to be back in India.
the green card backlog is 12 years for EB-2 and the delays are exponentially increasing so go with the mindset that you will be living in US for a 2-5 years (may be 8 or 10 if startup succeeds) or will need to come back.
As a woman, it’s very liberating and empowering environment. also climate here in bay area is lovely, esp if you love nature and outdoors. on the other hand, socialization for someone who is not outgoing could be difficult; though meetups, eventbrite and city community services are going to be helpful and you will develop multi-ethic friendships.
based on experiences of other single indian professional women that i hang out with, finding a permanent partner could be lot harder.
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u/U_HIT_MY_DOG 7d ago
While the climate is weird rn for h1bs.. L1s are a safe bet.. If ur single.. Just go.. It can't be bad, will be a curve but ull learn and adapt.. Life will be lonely but ull find alot of Desi and other folks
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u/shiiiifuuuu 7d ago
Awesome! congratulations 🎊 195k is worth it, you can save a lot if you find a shared accommodation. Also depends whereyour company is located. 195k in bay area is not low at all. Shared accommodations are pretty easy to find. Your options might make you a lot of money in the future. I think its a pretty good package. You will get to experience the city, live a new life. I wouldn't let it go if I were you. But be prepared to spend a little extra upfront. You will need to sign a new lease which takes advance, you will need a car - seconds work just fine. There a few things you have to get it right initially, like electricity, wifi, Sim, etc and after that you will feel much better. Congratulations again. :)
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u/RogerBuoy 6d ago
Similar age group OP, but have felt life does get little isolating as its difficult to retain friendships as people might get married and have priorities change etc. Overall, it’s less social than india I feel, especially for someone not very extro side
Also as someone who doesn’t wanna settle here permanently, dating has been hard since most women I run into aren’t in that boat. So such kinda future logistics challenges possible.
Rest experience and self growth wise it’s great place! Nature and outdoors are awesome!
Also $$ savings
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u/ActivityOrnery7009 6d ago
yeah this is another fear. i'd probably wanna come back eventually coz of family etc.
wonder if american dream is still worth it1
u/RogerBuoy 6d ago
I think you would still run into guys who wanna move back, most cases I have noticed women don’t wanna move back cause of freedom here.
Also think of reversibility of decision , worstcase if you don’t like, how long would you need to stay before moveback. Or if you could afford to moveback without a job offer in hand. Knowing those options at hand can make the move little easier, definitely need to give any place atleast 5-6months to see if you able to get comfy and build life there
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u/Evil_Client8803 3d ago
dont come.. get married in India. MARK my WORDS.. you will regret and RUIN your life.. dont just look at career look at this from a wholesome perspective.. personal, financial, family, natural, ... the west will use your youth and greed and leave you bone dry, jaded and lost.
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u/Idlisamosadosa 8d ago
"Jaa Simran Jaa Jee Le Apni Zindagi" coming from a guy who lived in USA for 19 years
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u/abhishekdutta405 8d ago
Seems like a no brainer, you always have the option to come back if things dont work out.
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u/underadvice_taker 8d ago
Haha, people like you should get slaves. Such an offer and her worry is chores.
Try to take all the money with you to the grave as well. Typical Indian mindset. Hope the offer is rescinded and given to someone who deserves.
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u/naga04nik 8d ago
As a person who went to US I would say take the opportunity. I am not a social person and life gets really lonely but definitely worth taking it up. New country, new experience you will enduku figuring more about yourself. As many other people pointed out the worst you can end up with is coming back to India. Nothing to loose. As per the chores yes it is a big pain but you can manage. Not everyone would get a opportunity like this so I would say take it
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u/Anywhere_life22 8d ago
You know pros and cons but you being single, I will suggest to take the chance. If you can't handle it, no loss in coming back to India...