BENGALURU/HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI, India: For thousands of Indian students, the American dream of world-class education, lucrative careers, and social mobility is facing growing uncertainty amid rising U.S. visa restrictions and unpredictable immigration policies.

For decades, the H-1B visa has been the gateway for young engineers and scientists from India, China, and other countries to turn years of study into high-paying jobs and potential permanent residency. But last week, the administration announced that new H-1B visa applications could cost US$100,000, up from the typical $2,000 to $5,000 employers paid to sponsor workers.

The change has prompted families to reconsider plans. Paridhi Upadhaya, who secured a U.S. scholarship in computer science, saw her parents in Lucknow scrap her study plans.

"The unending onslaught against immigrants is forcing us to consider other destinations," said her father, Rudra Pratap.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Dallas, an Indian master's student faces $80,000 in debt and uncertainty. "I'll move to Canada or Europe—anywhere that actually wants us," the student said.

Supporters of H-1B visas note that they bring vital talent to U.S. companies, while critics argue they suppress wages and disadvantage American workers. Many high-profile Indian tech leaders, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, arrived in the U.S. through this program.

Last year, India accounted for 71 percent of approved H-1B visas, with China in second place at 11.7 percent, according to U.S. government data.

The visa, typically issued for three years and renewable for another three, allows foreign graduates to gain work experience via the Optional Practical Training program before potentially securing permanent residency. It has long been a crucial bridge for international students seeking long-term careers in the U.S.

Now, many Indian students are exploring alternative destinations, including the UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, citing more predictable immigration policies. Germany, for example, has promoted its migration system as "reliable, modern, and predictable," attracting students with affordable, high-quality education and strong demand for skilled workers.

China is also aggressively recruiting global talent. Its new visa category allows applicants to study and work without first securing a job or research position. On the same day the $100,000 H-1B fee was announced, Chinese cities like Jinan and Nanjing hosted large job fairs targeting overseas talent, with thousands of opportunities on offer.

With U.S. policies becoming more restrictive, Indian students are weighing their options carefully, signaling a potential shift in global talent flows.