Snapdeal co-founder Kunal Bahl has shared the story of his rejected H-1B visa application in 2007, encouraging professionals affected by tighter US immigration restrictions to look for opportunities beyond the immediate setback. His remarks come as the United States moves to tighten scrutiny of skilled-worker immigration and green-card sponsorship, prompting renewed discussion about the career prospects of foreign professionals seeking to work in the country.

In a post on X on October 9, Bahl said people affected by restrictions on H-1B visas and immigration should consider the possibility that the setback could lead to a positive outcome. Drawing on his own experience, he suggested that a rejected visa application need not close off future career opportunities and could instead prompt individuals to explore alternative paths.

Bahl’s comments came amid fresh developments in US immigration policy under the administration of President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance announcing new restrictions affecting skilled-worker immigration and employment-based green-card sponsorship. The measures have raised concerns among professionals and companies that depend on international talent, particularly those seeking opportunities in the US technology sector.

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The H-1B programme allows eligible US employers to hire foreign professionals for specialised roles, including positions in technology, engineering and other fields requiring specific expertise. For many international graduates and skilled workers, the visa has served as a route to employment in the United States. Restrictions or uncertainty surrounding the programme can affect hiring plans, career decisions and employers’ ability to recruit talent from abroad.

Bahl’s experience offers a personal perspective on the uncertainty faced by applicants whose plans depend on securing permission to work overseas. His message encourages affected professionals to consider opportunities outside their original plans rather than viewing a visa rejection or policy change as the end of their ambitions. However, his comments do not suggest that immigration restrictions are without consequences for individuals or businesses that rely on international employment pathways.

The entrepreneur’s remarks also highlight the possibility of building successful careers beyond a single destination. For professionals facing uncertainty over US work visas, alternative options may include pursuing opportunities in their home countries, exploring other international markets or developing businesses independently. Bahl’s central message was that setbacks can sometimes open different paths, even when they disrupt carefully made plans. His comments arrive as skilled workers and employers assess how the latest US immigration measures could affect future opportunities.

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