Tension over visa, controversy over OPT…5 challenges faced by Indians going to study in America

Study in America: More than three lakh Indian students are studying in America. Studying in America is so popular among Indians because the world’s top universities are present here, where having a degree has a good impact in the labor market. Not only this, but students also get post-study work program. Indian students also go to study in America because of good job opportunities. This is the reason why the largest group among foreign students is Indians.
However, things are changing in America and some challenges have arisen for Indian students. Students are facing racism and discrimination. It has become difficult for them to get visas and job opportunities are being reduced. In such a situation, let us know about those 5 challenges due to which Indian students are facing difficulties while studying in America. If you too are going to study in America this year, then you should also know about this.

What are the 5 challenges facing Indian students?

Visa tension: It is very difficult to get a student visa for America. Even after a lot of documentation, the visa gets rejected. According to US State Department data, F-1 visas granted to Indians in the first nine months of 2024 have declined by 38% compared to 2023. Only 64,008 F-1 visas were issued between January and September 2024, compared to 1,03,495 visas granted in the same period in 2023.

Increasing cost of education: To study in America, it is very important to have a budget of lakhs of rupees. The fees of top universities are so high that a common man cannot study here. According to researchers at the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost for a student, including tuition fees, books, living and other expenses, is about $38,270. Living in cities like New York and Boston has become very expensive.

H-1B visa uncertainty: At present, there is a demand to abolish the H-1B visa program in America. This demand has been raised by the supporters of newly elected President Donald Trump. Indian workers work in America’s tech sectors only through H-1B visa. People like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have supported the H-1B visa program, but opposition to it continues and an atmosphere of uncertainty has arisen.

Dispute on OPT: Foreign students studying in America get a one-year ‘Option Practical Program’ (OPT) after finishing their degree. In this one year they can temporarily work in America. STEM degree holders also get two additional years. However, Trump’s supporters say that this program should also be ended because foreign students are taking away the jobs of American people through it.

Growing resentment against Indians: The Indian community in America is very successful. CEOs of top companies are of Indian origin. Because of this, Indian-Americans are often considered a ‘model minority’. But resentment against him/her is increasing. Recently, when the White House announced the name of Sriram Krishnan as AI advisor, this anger increased even more. Opponents say that India and America are interfering too much.