H1-B visa row: NRI couple with ₹6 crore net worth reveals plan to return to India for ‘peaceful’ life in Ooty or Kochi
H1-B visa row: NRI couple, who is living in the US, wants to relocate to South India in four years for a peaceful life.
A couple residing in the US on an H-1B visa is planning their return to India due to ongoing stress associated with US immigration and a longing for a nature-oriented lifestyle.

In their early 40s, they aim to relocate to South India in about four years, with an estimated net worth of ₹6 crore (60 million INR). By that time, their daughter will have finished high school.
NRI couple's plan for their daughter
While her parents begin to rebuild their lives in India, she might pursue her further education in the US on an F1 student visa. The couple has shared their plans on Reddit, seeking advice from other users. However, HT.com cannot verify the authenticity of their claims.
NRI couple wants to settle in southern region of India
The NRI couple aspire to purchase a comfortable home valued at around ₹3 crore. They believe that the remaining funds will yield sufficient interest or dividend income to sustain their modest lifestyle without the necessity of a full-time job.
The couple characterizes themselves as peace-loving individuals. They adhere to a vegetarian diet, avoid alcohol and smoking, and have no interest in parties or a hectic social life. Instead, they find joy in nature, hiking, boating, gardening, and cultivating their own food.
Although they hail from Delhi, they are considering the possibility of relocating to the southern region of India. They are attracted to smaller cities and towns that provide lush greenery, favorable weather, and a more relaxed lifestyle.
Locations such as Ooty, Coimbatore, and Kochi are particularly appealing to them due to the natural beauty and opportunities for gardening and outdoor activities. One aspect they are seeking to comprehend before reaching a conclusive decision is whether transitioning to the south will be culturally seamless.
Redditors offer suggestion
Their post sparked extensive discussions on Reddit, where individuals provided practical suggestions and warnings concerning the return to India following an extended period overseas. “Don't buy a house as soon as you reach here. Understand the surrounding first. Stay put in any metro city, then make a move to serene places,” one person wrote.
A financial analyst recommended utilizing the existing US Dollar exchange rate and encouraged the couple to target a corpus of ₹10 crore, which has the potential to yield a post-tax income of approximately ₹54 lakh each year—sufficient for a “very good lifestyle anywhere in India.”
The majority of the guidance provided was focused on cultural and linguistic challenges. “Languages matter; don't take this lightly,” cautioned a third individual, emphasizing the crucial role of local languages in managing everyday life in Tier 3 cities.
ABOUT THE AUTHORShweta KukretiShweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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