US visa crackdown, fewer jobs force Indian students to rethink American dream — Expert | Today’s news
For decades, the United States has been a major destination for Indian students chasing world-class education and lucrative careers. However, the recent wave of strict immigration policies combined with a sharp decline in the job market is forcing thousands of Indians to rethink their American dream.
At the center of this shift is a comprehensive crackdown on US visas that is fundamentally changing the way international students navigate their academic and professional journeys.
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End of “status duration”
The regulatory environment for F-1 student visas is tightening, bolstered by proposed rules that limit the flexibility students once enjoyed.
Rajiv S. Khanna, Managing Attorney of Immigration.Com, told LiveMint that these systemic shifts have “been in the works for some time.” The most significant change focuses on the “duration of status” provision.
Historically, this rule allowed students to legally remain in the US indefinitely as long as they maintained their enrollment at the educational institution. This allowed students to seamlessly transition between programs and pursue multiple degrees without constant bureaucratic oversight.
“In this rule, the idea of duration of status … has been shortened,” Khanna explained. “Now they were suggesting that if you want to do more degrees, you have to touch base back with the government rather than just staying in the school system.”
In addition, the US government has begun to frown on studying multiple degrees at the same academic level – such as enrolling in a second master’s – as well as transfers between universities. Students who want to change their studies will now have to make a formal application in the US or travel abroad to get a new visa stamp.
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Who will feel the impact?
While the proposed changes sound daunting, Khanna offered a measured perspective. “I suspect that most students who are serious about education and academics would find little change,” he stated.
Students who intend to complete a single master’s degree and immediately enter the workforce, or those who logically progress from master’s to doctoral studies, will remain largely unaffected by these specific educational restrictions.
But the rules place a heavy burden on students who want to change majors, explore a second master’s degree to increase employability, or delay entering a tough job market. Constant government controls bring unprecedented uncertainty for them.
Financial pressure
A wider crackdown on visa enforcement has seen thousands of student visas reviewed or canceled due to attendance problems or unauthorized part-time work. Increased workplace inspections have forced employers to lay off student workers, cutting off the vital part-time income many rely on to afford groceries and rent.
Beyond graduation, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program — long considered the standard route to secure U.S. work experience and transition to an H-1B visa — also reportedly brings fewer opportunities.
“US visa policies, economic uncertainty and softer employer recruitment are making career planning more difficult for international graduates, especially Indians,” Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, told Financial Express.
Major sectors such as technology and finance are experiencing a massive hiring slowdown, leaving highly skilled STEM graduates stuck in a highly competitive job market.
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Shrinking job market
According to the latest GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, although one-third still plan to hire international talent for their offices abroad in 2026, US employers have become more cautious about sponsoring international hires in recent years.
The number of foreign-born workers in the US has fallen sharply. An analysis of the June 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) showed that the number of foreign-born workers declined by 11.86 million from January 2026 and by 18.47 million from their peak in March 2025.
“It’s a combination of three pressures: slower recruitment, cautious employer sponsorship and stricter immigration policies. International students face delays in securing job opportunities, forcing them to look for opportunities in countries like India,” said Sanjay Laul, founder of MSM Unify, FE.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration or tax advice.
