U.S. Indians’ Top Choice for Leaving Citizenship

With each passing year, whether for a better lifestyle or job opportunities, more and more Indians are choosing to move abroad. The number of Indians seeking non-immigrant H-1B visas has been increasing, making those aspiring for the American dream more patient.

In 2021, the government released data showing that the USA remained the top choice for Indians planning to relocate to a foreign country. During that year, 1,63,370 Indians renounced their citizenship, with 78,284 of them selecting the USA as their first choice.

Regarding education, the USA hosts over 10 lakhs students, and Indians constitute 21% of them, up from the observed 19% in 2020. As US universities aim to attract more global students, this percentage is likely to rise further.

The decision to move to the States is not only due to the allure of a better lifestyle and opportunities but also the lack of the same in their home country. Many temporary immigrants seek permanent residency in the USA. Even students, after completing their degrees, often look for jobs in the country to have the chance to earn in dollars.

These reasons, coupled with the fact that around four lakhs non-US residents work in the USA, with 75% of them being from India, contribute to the demand for H-1B visas. The wait for H-1B visas has become lengthy, but the recent visit by Narendra Modi might have brought some promises regarding easing visa restrictions for skilled Indians.