Trump H-1B visa setback: What’s the biggest myth Indian students still believe? Experts reveal
U.S. federal court rules to remove president Donald TrumpOffer $100,000 H-1B visa fees The topic of studying and working in the United States has been discussed again. But one study abroad expert says one of the biggest misconceptions among Indian students remains unchanged: that attending an American university automatically paves the way to a long-term career in the United States.
In an interview with Hindustan Times after the ruling, he said Saurabh AroraToday’s students are increasingly knowledgeable about international education, but many still overestimate the role of the H-1B visa in determining career success, says the founder and CEO of University Living.
The Biggest H-1B Myth
Arora said the most common misconception is that attending a U.S. university guarantees a path to long-term employment.
“In practice, career outcomes depend on a combination of factors, including skills, industry demand, work experience, networks, employer requirements and immigration policies,” he said.
He added that students often focus too much on the H-1B visa itself, even though employers ultimately hire applicants based on their employability.
“While H-1B remains an important pathway for international graduates to seek employment in the United States, it is employer demand and student employability that ultimately drive hiring decisions,” Arora said.
Also read: U.S. court rules Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee ‘illegal’
He points out that students who focus only on visa outcomes often underestimate the importance of internships, practical experience, professional networks and skills development during their studies.
It’s not just technical work
Another misconception, Arora said, is that career opportunities in the United States are primarily limited to technology-related fields.
He said that while STEM programs continue to generate significant interest, graduates can also find opportunities in healthcare, engineering, finance, business, research, data analytics and other emerging fields, depending on industry needs and personal qualifications.
He also stressed the importance of planning your post-graduation career early by pursuing internships, research opportunities, industry involvement and networking across the university.
Also read: US court rejects Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, mixed political reaction
Students are changing the way they choose where to study
Recent H-1B developments come as Indian students take a more strategic approach study abroad.
Arora said university rankings were still important, but employability, post-study work rights and return on investment were increasingly influencing decisions.
Students pay more attention to internship opportunities, graduate employment rates and long-term career prospects before choosing a university.
“The United States remains one of the most attractive destinations for Indian students,” Arora said, citing Open Doors data showing more than 363,000 Indian students were enrolled in U.S. institutions in the 2024-25 academic year. However, he added that students were “less dependent on any single destination”.
“They are no longer asking just where to study, but increasingly they are asking how a particular program, institution or destination can support their long-term career goals,” he said.
