Indian Students Reassess Study Abroad Plans After US H-1B Visa Fee Shock
2 Min Read
A sudden hike in H-1B visa fees in the United States has unsettled thousands of Indian students and professionals, sparking panic, flight cancellations and urgent family discussions. The White House proclamation, signed on 19 September, imposed fees of nearly USD 100,000 (Rs 88 lakh) on certain new H-1B petitions, prompting an immediate wave of uncertainty.
Although officials clarified that the fee applies only to new petitions filed after 21 September and not to existing visa holders or renewals, the initial panic left its mark. Students on F-1 and M-1 visas, particularly those transitioning to Optional Practical Training (OPT), are now reconsidering their long-term plans. According to ICE and Open Doors data, more than 420,000 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions in 2023–24, with almost 98,000 on OPT, a key pathway to H-1B employment.
The fee shock triggered emotional and practical fallout. Diwali travel plans were cancelled, tech employees were recalled from leave, and social media platforms overflowed with anxious discussions. Reddit threads captured the mood: some saw the move as a potential reversal of “brain drain”, while others warned that India needs stronger job markets and startup policies to absorb returning talent.
Employers are also reassessing strategies. Analysts suggest mid-level workers may return to India, high-value professionals could divert to other countries, and firms may expand offshore or nearshore centres to adapt. The immediate uncertainty has highlighted both the risks of over-reliance on the US and the growing appeal of alternatives.
Canada, Australia and the UK are emerging as attractive options, offering clearer post-study work pathways. Meanwhile, interest in Germany, the Netherlands and other European countries is rising, though language barriers and labour regulations remain challenges.
For Indian students, the H-1B fee hike has shifted the conversation from panic to planning. Stronger finances, niche skills and diversified destinations are now central to future study abroad strategies. Whether this leads to long-term realignment or a temporary disruption will depend on how US policy evolves and how quickly other countries can capitalise on the opportunity.
Source: INDIA TODAY
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