H-1B visa, OPT woes, deportation fears: Is studying in US too risky now? News Brief

Trump's steep H-1B visa fee leaves Indian students weighing ROI, OPT pathways, and options in Canada, Germany, and Australia

The Trump administration’s decision to introduce a $100,000 one-time fee on new H-1B visa applications is set to reshape how Indian students view higher education in the United States. While some experts say demand may decline, others believe the attraction of American universities will continue to hold.

H-1B visa fee puts US study plans under pressure

Prof Chandan Gowda, dean at the School of Liberal Arts, Vidyashilp University, said the change could discourage Indian students who traditionally pursue US education with the goal of long-term work opportunities.

“Almost all firms will find the $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants unaffordable. Plus, the threat of deportment over a Facebook post or a like on a post on X has made pursuing higher education in the US a high-risk option,” said Gowda.

He added that Indian students might consider staying back. “Indian students would do well for themselves by exploring the new, expanded higher education opportunities within India since they offer high quality education without the burden of heavy financial costs or the threat of volatile immigration policies.”

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Indian students shift focus to Europe

Ankit Mehra, co-founder and chief executive officer of GyanDhan, pointed to early evidence of change.

“The uncertain political environment and visa pause have already caused a reduction in enrolment for Fall 2025, according to preliminary NAFSA data. This could be aggravated by the H-1B visa fee hike as well. We are seeing students prefer other countries that offer good STEM courses, like Germany, while others may decide to defer their admissions till there is more clarity on the matter. That said, US universities are dependent on international students, as their tuition fees are often two to three times higher than those of domestic students,” said Mehra

Mamta Shekhawat, founder of Gradding, noted that students moving through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) to H-1B pathway would feel the impact most.

Rising costs make US education less attractive

Prof M A Venkataramanan, pro vice-chancellor at FLAME University, said the economics of an American degree are becoming less attractive.

“The recent hike in H-1B visa fees is set to make the USA a far riskier proposition for students funding their education through loans. By significantly increasing the cost of hiring international graduates, the policy tilts the scales against US employers especially midsize companies, smaller enterprises and start-ups. While big corporations with deeper pockets may still recruit, overall opportunities for international students will shrink,” he said.  OPT pathway under spotlight after H-1B fee hike

Indian students in the US usually begin on F-1 visas, which allow them to study but not work. Many then take OPT, which provides temporary employment linked to their area of study, before attempting to secure an H-1B visa.

Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, explained how perceptions are changing.

“The immediate impact of the H-1B fee hike does not fall on the OPT pathway itself, since OPT is tied to student visas rather than work visas. But because OPT has always been seen as the natural bridge to the H-1B, the psychology around it will change,” said Arora. 

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