H1-B visa lottery system becomes horror story for Indian couple

An Indian professional working at Amazon has secured an H-1B visa after years of uncertainty, but changing US immigration rules are still making it difficult for him and his fiancee to plan their future. According to Business Insider, Madhur Mehta moved to the US in August 2021 for higher studies and later completed a master's degree in science and business analytics from the University of Texas at Dallas. After graduating in 2023, he spent months looking for an employer that would sponsor his H-1B visa before joining Amazon as a program manager in 2025.His H-1B application came at a time when the Trump administration was changing the way the visa lottery works. Under the new system, applicants are placed into four wage-level categories, with candidates in higher-paid positions receiving better odds of selection.The change added another hurdle for Mehta, who was already concerned about finding a long-term way to remain in the US. He started considering alternatives such as the EB-1A visa and employment opportunities in Canada and Australia.Mehta was eventually selected for an H-1B in March, giving him the opportunity to continue working in the US for another three years. "It was like someone had taken a 100-pound weight off my mind," he said.Fiancee faces another H-1B lottery attemptWhile Mehta's visa situation has improved, his fiancee is facing a similar challenge. She is also from India and has one remaining chance to be selected in the H-1B lottery before her current work authorisation expires. If she is not selected, she could potentially move to H-4 dependent status. However, H-4 status does not automatically provide work authorisation, which could force her to put her career on hold unless she qualifies for separate work permission.Further studies could be another option, although Mehta said recent changes affecting student visas have made that route more difficult.The couple's immigration status is also affecting their financial decisions. They previously considered buying a house in the US but decided against making a long-term commitment while their ability to remain and work in the country is uncertain.The couple also has to consider the consequences of losing employment. H-1B holders generally have a 60-day grace period to find another qualifying job after their employment ends.For Mehta, travelling to India is another concern because returning to the US can involve visa stamping and other immigration requirements. He also worries about being unable to be with his parents in India if a family emergency arises.Despite these challenges, Mehta believes working in the US has provided valuable career opportunities and professional exposure. He wants to pursue an EB-1A visa as a longer-term solution, which could give him greater freedom to make decisions about buying a home and starting a family.Canada and European countries are also being considered as possible alternatives if remaining in the US becomes too uncertain."I imagined a very dreamy life in the US," Mehta said. "They see the job and the happy photos, but that's only half the story."For Mehta and his fiancee, securing an H-1B is no longer the only concern. The couple now has to navigate a system where changes in immigration rules can directly affect their careers, finances and plans to settle down.- EndsPublished By: Ankita GargPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 17:01 IST