A woman recently turned to social media to pose a crucial question that many considering a master’s degree in the U.S. for 2025 are grappling with. Given the rising costs, visa uncertainties, and a shifting job market, is pursuing this path still worthwhile?
The difficulties begin right after graduation. Students on OPT have only 90 days to secure employment. If they fail to do so, they must leave the country. Even if they find a job, they face the next challenge: the H1B lottery. If they aren’t selected, they find themselves back at square one.
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For those fortunate enough to get thei H1B on time, the challenges continue. The visa is valid for just three years, and renewal hinges on having a job. If they are laid off, they have only 60 days to find another employer willing to sponsor them—or they must leave the U.S. immediately.
The green card backlog adds another layer of anxiety. Some individuals wait decades for permanet residency, leading to a lack of stability—buying a home, investing in the future, or even starting a family feels precarious when everything relies on visa approvals.
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With Trump potentially returning to office, the situation may become even more challenging. His previous administration implemented travel bans, visa restrictions, and policies that complicated immigration. We are already looking at so many changes in the immigration rules, this could lead to stricter regulations for F1 and H1B visas, longer processing times for international students, resulting in even fewer opportunities for those looking to study and settle in the U.S.
The financial implications are also daunting. A master’s degree in the U.S. can cost between 60-70 Lakhs ($75,000- $85,000). While landing a high-paying job immediately might allow someone to break even in a few years, achieving true financial stability, buying property, or feeling secure takes much longer.
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Meanwhile, India’s tech industry is thriving. Leading companies are offering salaries of 50-60 Lakhs ($60,000-$72,000), which is competitive when considering the cost of living. Plus, in India, there’s no visa related stress–no concerns about lotteries, extensions, or sudden layoffs impacting residency.
Living in the U.S. isn’t about high salaries and a better lifestyle. It involves managing everything on your own—cooking, cleaning, paperwork, and uncertainty. A single visa denial can wipe out years of hard work in a heartbeat.
While the U.S. still provides opportunities for exposure, networking, and cuttijng edge research, one has to consider if that is worth the financial and emotional toll—especially given the increasingly unstable immigration system.
For those with scholarships or financial support, studying in the U.S. can still be fantastic option. However, if it requires taking on massive loans and depending on the job market to pay them off, the risks can be significant. Other countries with more favourable immigration policies–or even India’s expanding job market—might be wiser choices.
The American Dream isn’t dead. But in 2025, it’s no longer the only dream worth pursuing.
