An Indian businessman who had been working in the US on an H1B visa for almost ten years discovered an innovative alternative that revolutionised his life. He can now run his own business, travel freely, and concentrate on entrepreneurship without having to worry about policy changes thanks to the change to a B1 business visa.
B1 visa opens doors to business freedom
On Instagram, he shared a post stating, “I was on an H1B visa for nine years and then switched to a B1 visa — and that’s when my life completely changed.” The H1B had strict limits: he couldn’t start his own business, was allowed only one trip to India per year, and faced constant uncertainty over visa renewals and changing policies.
With the B1, he can legally run his LLC, travel to the US twice a year, and hold a visa valid for ten years. “Life feels in my control and exciting every day,” he added. He now lives full-time in India and visits the US mainly for conferences.
Weighing H1B stability against B1 flexibility
Some reactions highlighted the trade-offs. One user noted, “You will never get a green card on B1; H1B can file I-140. H1B offers job stability, businesses are risky.” Another pointed out, “You can only stay in the US for six months at a stretch and must return to India twice a year.”
B1 visas are designed for temporary business trips, consulting, attending conferences, or negotiating contracts. H1B visas allow US employers to hire skilled foreign professionals. In this scenario, opting for B1 meant trading long-term job security for autonomy and freedom, which may or may not prove to be the best decision for everyone.
