OPT’s Tragic Homecoming: No Job, US Debt Trap

The number of U.S.-educated STEM graduates returning to India is rising. Many are unable to find jobs abroad and have no option but to come back home despite huge investments in education.

A Story of Struggle

One professional with a master’s degree in Information Systems and a valid OPT until February shared their experience. Despite completing an eight-month internship at Amazon, they are still struggling to find a job in India.

Endless Applications, Few Calls

They applied to more than 2,000 companies but received only two or three interview calls. Whatever money they earned during the internship went into paying tuition fees, leaving them without any savings.

Financial and Emotional Burden

Now living with their parents, they are also dealing with massive student debt. They expressed feelings of failure in a Reddit post, which attracted similar stories from others.

A Common Trend

Many users shared that they too were forced to return from the U.S. and Canada. A saturated IT job market, visa hurdles, and growing anti-immigration sentiment are common reasons behind their return.

Impact on Mental Health
These professionals often feel they have let down their families. Until the global job market improves and visa rules ease, more students may face the same struggle and emotional pressure after returning home.