A 36‑year‑old Bengaluru software engineer, married with no children, received a $300,000 offer in San Jose under an L‑1 visa, prompting a career crossroads. The engineer, who has worked with the startup for two years, said he has no loans and his wife works part‑time, giving him a flexible financial cushion.
At ₹90 lakh per annum, his net income in India is roughly ₹6 lakh after taxes, while the U.S. offer would net about $210,000 after federal and state levies. After factoring in San Jose’s higher living costs, he estimates a monthly savings of $5,000‑$6,000, a figure that has sparked debate among both sides of the forum.
Unlike an H‑1B, an L‑1 ties the employee to the sponsoring company. If terminated, the worker receives only a 60‑day grace period before needing to leave or secure another qualifying L‑1. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services notes that a new employer must maintain a parent, subsidiary, or branch relationship with a foreign entity to qualify.
Reddit users split on the decision. Some warned that the U.S. salary could be a pay cut when adjusted for exchange rates and that L‑1 restrictions could bind him, while others praised the move as a growth opportunity, noting that he could return to India with U.S. savings if needed.
The engineer cited career saturation in Bengaluru and a desire to experience U.S. culture, but also weighed the risk of losing his L‑1 status and the impact on his spouse’s part‑time income. He is also concerned about potential changes in U.S. immigration policy that could affect long‑term stay.
He plans to meet with an immigration lawyer next week, after which he will decide whether to relocate or stay, with the final decision expected by month‑end.