$100,000 H-1B Fee and Stricter Rules Leave Indian Students Struggling to Plan Work Abroad

86,000 Indian Students Eye H-1B Work Visas but Face Rising Costs, Tough Rules. Read what experts are thinking, are students eyeing destinations beyond the US and the U.K?

More than 330,000 Indian students are currently studying in U.S. universities.

Indian students hoping to study and work in the United States are facing new hurdles. Visa fees have gone up sharply, and stricter rules are making it harder to get jobs after graduation. The H-1B visa, which allows students to work in the U.S. after completing their degree, now costs $100,000 a year under new policies aimed at limiting bulk applications and giving more preference to American workers. For many families, this adds a heavy financial and planning burden.

Indian Students in Numbers

More than 330,000 Indian students are currently studying in U.S. universities, the largest group from any country. Each year, around 86,000 Indians apply for H-1B work visas after finishing their F-1 student visas. Higher costs and stricter policies have reduced approvals. As per a report, in 2025-2026, about 358,737 applications were filed, but only 120,141 were shortlisted, showing growing competition and stress.

Students Concerns

"These sudden changes have left us in a state of uncertainty," said Priya Mehta, a final-year computer science student in Delhi. "The increased fees and reduced chances of securing an H-1B visa make it difficult to plan our futures."

Amit Kumar, an MBA aspirant from Bangalore, added: "Even if I get a visa, the cost and uncertainty make the decision very stressful. Families are thinking carefully about whether studying abroad is still worth it."

Calls for Policy Balance

In Delhi, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy highlighted the need for smoother visa processes. He said: “When new regimes come in, they often over-correct. They go to an extreme early on, and then they revert to the mean over time. I pray and believe that will happen here... We have to get the student visa process more ironed out.”

Experts say unpredictable rules could discourage international students and make the U.S. less attractive for skilled talent.

UK Draws Interest

Despite concerns over the UK’s Graduate Route, Prof. Elena Rodriguez Falcon of Study Group said Indian students are again showing strong interest in the country. She said, “It’s an interesting time. The UK is coming back strong, and we can already see more Indian students returning. Education is about more than short-term employment; we aim to equip students with skills for life.”

Speaking to Shiksha.com, Prof Falcon also stressed the importance of university support systems to help students navigate academic, cultural, and language challenges. She added: “I’ve seen students drop out within weeks when the transition is too hard. With the right support, they can succeed and gain the confidence to thrive abroad.”

New Destinations

Beyond the U.S. and UK, Indian students are also looking at countries such as Canada, Australia, and emerging hubs in Asia and the Middle East.

“It’s not just about getting a degree abroad, but making sure the skills I learn are useful for my career,” said Amit Kumar. Priya Mehta added: “Even if I get a visa, the cost and uncertainty make the decision very stressful.”

Experts remain confident about India’s global role in higher education. Falcon noted: “I’ve taught Indian students for 28 years, and they are among the best. Our organisation believes in Indian students and is working closely with partners to give them the opportunities they deserve.”

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