H-1B obstacles and OPT hope: Indian students in the US struggle with evolving visa regulations

Students and professionals are eagerly awaiting President Donald Trump's next step as Indian residents' chances of finding employment abroad have drastically decreased due to the US's restrictive immigration laws. The new regulation has left many people, particularly those who are about to graduate, scurrying to reevaluate their plans and look for alternatives elsewhere in a country that accounts for the biggest number of H-1B visa holders worldwide.Chell Roberts, dean of the University of San Diego, described the announcement as "like a seismic shock." "Students, families, and businesses who have long seen the H-1B as a bridge to opportunity have had their dreams disrupted.

"The recent increase in the H-1B cost and the planned changes to the lottery system have made it more difficult for Indian students studying in the United States to obtain a work visa. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is still an essential means of obtaining job experience, even though new regulations may restrict chances in the future. Although some students think that concentrating on developing excellent academic and professional profiles is still the most effective approach, others are worried about employment prospects and career timetables.