For middle-class Indian families, these visa restrictions have become a major roadblock. However, experts believe that talent always finds its way, and opportunities will continue to exist. Will US study dreams survive these challenges, or will stricter immigration policies make them even harder to achieve? Only time will tell.
The New Visa Rules – A Harsh Reality for Indian Students
Dreaming of higher education in the United States? For thousands of Indian students, this dream now faces a harsh reality. The US government has tightened visa regulations, particularly affecting MS students who rely on part-time jobs to manage their expenses. With these new restrictions, many students and their families are now left in financial distress. Will this new policy shatter the aspirations of middle-class students, or will alternatives emerge to keep their dreams alive?
Tougher OPT Rules – A Major Setback
For MS graduates in the US, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows temporary work opportunities. However, changes in OPT regulations have caused widespread panic among students. A surge in applications means fewer opportunities, leaving many unsure about their future. Without part-time jobs, students must rely entirely on their families for financial support until they secure a full-time job after graduation.
The Financial Strain on Families
In districts like Sircilla, Telangana, nearly 500 students are pursuing higher education in the US. The majority are MS students, and most of them took loans to fund their studies. On average, parents spend around ₹50 lakh per student, with monthly expenses crossing ₹1 lakh. With the latest visa restrictions, students without jobs will have no choice but to depend on their parents for financial survival, causing immense strain on middle-class families.
Sai’s Story – A Student Who Lost His Job
Sai, a student from Mustabad, recently completed his MS from a university in Boston. Until now, he managed his expenses through a part-time job, earning up to ₹1 lakh per month. However, due to the new visa rules, he lost his job this month. Now, without an income, he is actively searching for a full-time job. If he fails to secure one soon, his parents will have to send money every month to cover his expenses. Sai’s situation is not unique—many Indian students in the US are now facing similar hardships.
What’s Next for Students?
Some parents are reconsidering sending their children to the US for higher education. Meanwhile, India’s booming AI (Artificial Intelligence) sector is providing promising job opportunities, offering a viable alternative for students who were planning to go abroad. However, despite these local opportunities, many students still aspire to study in the US.
"My son completed his MS in New York six months ago. He is currently job hunting. Due to the part-time job ban, we are sending money from home to cover his expenses." – Ramesh, Mustabad
"No Need to Panic"
"Students and parents should remain positive. The US is not shutting down opportunities entirely. Talented individuals will always find a way. Moreover, India has growing career prospects, especially in AI. Don’t believe in rumors—stay focused and explore all possibilities." – B. Srinivas Reddy, Seattle
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