Every year, around 3.5 lakh Indian students head to the US for higher education. However, for most of them, the primary goal is not academics but the dream of earning in dollars and saving in rupees. A survey by an Austrian newspaper revealed that around 90% of Indian students moving to Australia prioritize easy immigration over education. The situation in the US is no different. You may have heard reports about Indian students skipping classes and working 40 hours a week to earn money. This article highlights the real challenges these students will face in the US, considering the current and future immigration policies, university funding cuts, and the growing impact of AI on jobs.
You might have heard news about immigration issues and cuts in the US Department of Education’s (DOE) federal funding. These are not just random news stories — they are real and happening. With the Trump government unlikely to print more dollars as previous administrations did, it will be extremely difficult for the US government to maintain massive federal spending. This will directly affect universities, research funding, and job opportunities.
If your goal is mainly to earn in dollars rather than focus on education, read this article carefully. If you are genuinely seeking education, some of these challenges may not apply to you.
University Tiers and Their Impact
In the US, universities are divided into three categories based on their research focus: R1, R2, and R3. R1 universities have a strong focus on research and receive most of the federal funding, making them attractive for students seeking research assistantships (RA) or teaching assistantships (TA). R2 and R3 universities primarily focus on teaching and get much less research funding. If you are not admitted to an R1 university, your chances of getting financial support through RA or TA are very slim. Without funding, you will need to spend anywhere between ₹50-70 lakhs for a master’s degree, depending on the city and university. Given the current immigration and job scenario in the US, investing such a huge amount in R2 or R3 universities is simply not worth it. Without strong research credentials, your degree may not help you land a good job or secure visa sponsorship. The return on investment for degrees from lower-tier universities is often poor, as graduates end up with low-paying or temporary jobs.
STEM vs. Non-STEM Degrees: Job Prospects and Visa Benefits
If you plan to pursue a non-STEM degree without funding, it is a big mistake, even if you are admitted to a top-ranked university. The job market for non-STEM fields is shrinking, and the chances of getting a job after graduation are almost zero. On top of that, you will only get one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) compared to three years for STEM graduates. In today’s competitive job market, one year is rarely enough to secure an H1B visa. If you don’t land a job with visa sponsorship, you may have to return to India with a massive financial burden. Unless you are passionate about a non-STEM field and have the financial stability to study without expecting a job, you should reconsider such degrees. STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) offer a 3-year OPT period, giving you more time to find a job and apply for an H1B visa. This makes it easier for STEM graduates to establish a career in the US. The job market is heavily skewed in favor of STEM graduates, making it difficult for non-STEM students to find stable employment.
Fewer Job Opportunities for International Students
You might have read news about the US having a low unemployment rate. However, if you look closer, most of the jobs being added are low-skill roles in sectors like construction, hospitality, and retail. The situation for high-skill jobs is very different. Big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta have either stopped hiring or prefer local candidates over international students to avoid the hassle of visa sponsorship. Additionally, AI is rapidly replacing human workers in white-collar jobs, especially in software and data-related fields. Companies now prefer US citizens over foreigners for the few positions they have. If you are from a lower-ranked university, your chances of being considered by major tech firms are extremely low. Even getting an interview could be difficult since many companies filter out resumes that mention visa sponsorship requirements. As a result, many Indian students end up working at gas stations, motels, or grocery stores just to pay off their loans.
Funding Your Education
As mentioned earlier, you will need approximately ₹50-70 lakhs for an MS degree. If you do not have this amount in disposable funds, think twice before going to the US. Some agencies in India may advise you to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and work at gas stations or grocery stores to fund your education. Do not fall for such advice. Working in such places is no different from working in unsafe conditions in war-torn regions like Syria or Somalia. It is risky, illegal, and will destroy your future career prospects. Instead, aim for on-campus jobs, which are legal and safe. Before applying to a university, check with the international student office to understand the availability of on-campus jobs. Relying on off-campus work to fund your studies is not a sustainable plan.
Immigration Rules and Future Uncertainty
AI is transforming the job market, making it increasingly difficult for foreigners to secure employment in the US. With fewer job openings, companies will prefer American citizens over foreign workers. In the future, it is very likely that immigration rules will become stricter, making it harder for students to stay in the US after finishing their studies. Even if you find a job, your employer may not want to deal with the complicated visa sponsorship process. Many companies now filter out resumes that mention the need for visa sponsorship. Securing an H1B work visa after graduation is increasingly difficult. The visa allocation follows a lottery system, making it a matter of luck rather than merit. Even highly skilled students may not get selected due to the random nature of the process. With fewer visa slots and rising competition, many students fail to obtain H1B visas despite having job offers and are forced to leave the US and return to India. Spending ₹50-70 lakhs in such uncertain conditions makes little sense, especially when AI is reducing the number of white-collar jobs. You may end up with a huge financial burden and no job security.
Political and Social Challenges
The US is becoming less immigrant-friendly due to rising nationalism and stricter immigration laws. The political environment in the US is also unpredictable, with frequent changes in visa policies. This creates further instability for international students, who may face sudden policy changes that affect their visa status or job prospects.
Final Thoughts: Is It Still Worth Going to the US?
If you are considering going to the US solely for earning in dollars, you should think twice before investing such a large sum. The US is no longer the land of easy money and golden opportunities for Indian students. With rising immigration hurdles, shrinking job opportunities, and AI making many tech jobs redundant, studying in the US comes with serious risks. Only those with a genuine interest in high-quality education, strong research skills, and the financial stability to afford the cost should consider studying in the US. For everyone else, the dream of making quick money in the US is fading fast. If you are admitted to a low-ranked university without funding, the financial risks are high. You could end up with massive debt and no job. If you choose a non-STEM degree, your job prospects will be very limited, and you may struggle to secure a visa. However, if you are genuinely focused on education, get into a top R1 university, receive funding or assistantships, and have a clear long-term plan, then pursuing higher education in the US can still be worth it.