Navigating the 2026 admission season: How to realise US dreams amid visa policy shifts

Experts advise students to adopt a strategic approach, focusing on building versatile skills, networking, and diversifying their options to navigate the changing landscape effectively.

Understanding the H-1B overhaul and its ripple effects

The new H-1B visa rule requires a hefty payment of $100,000 for petitions involving beneficiaries outside the US, making it tougher for fresh graduates or workers to secure sponsorship.

This change is prompting a re-evaluation of the traditional US pathway, where Indian students—comprising a significant portion of STEM (Science, Technolgy, Engineering and Mathematics) enrollees—often transition from F-1 student visas to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and then H-1B.

Experts note that while demand for skilled talent in fields like technology and engineering persists,  the financial barrier could deter smaller employers, pushing students toward larger firms or cap-exempt roles at universities and nonprofits.

For current applicants, this means a more calculated approach to admissions. Many are prioritising programmes that offer robust internship opportunities and networking, ensuring they can build employer relationships early. The policy's emphasis on high-value contributions is also influencing career choices, with students focusing on specialised skills that justify sponsorship costs.

Rohan Ganeriwala, Co-founder of Collegify said,” We’re coming across an emerging trend among students admitted for the 2026 intake cycle. While the majority of students from the previous admission cycle have already commenced their studies, a segment of the current cohort is considering deferring their application for one or two years, or looking at other options.” This decision is primarily driven by factors such as recent visa fee increases and a desire to understand the broader socio-economic and immigration landscape and the subsequent visa interview processes and documentation, better.

“Concurrently, these students are utilising this period to enhance their professional skills and strengthen their academic profiles to better align with current market demands upon their eventual enrollment,” said Ganeriwala.

Strategies for aspiring students in uncertain times

In response to these changes, students are advised to prioritise staying within the US during key transitions to avoid the new fee's pitfalls. This includes fully utilising OPT and STEM OPT extensions to gain on-shore experience, timing H-1B filings strategically, and avoiding international travel until approvals are secured. Building networks with employers experienced in sponsoring international talent is crucial, as is targeting roles in mission-critical sectors.

Diversification is a recurring theme. Experts stress creating "Plan B" options, such as deferring applications if US work is central to plans, or preparing parallel paths in other countries. For those already in the pipeline, upskilling through projects and certifications can enhance employability, turning potential hurdles into opportunities for global mobility.

As Eela Dubey, Co-Founder of EduFund, said, “Indian students should not panic. If you plan smartly, complete status change while remaining in the US, and aim for higher-skill roles or cap-exempt employers, your pathway remains viable.”

Also read | Navigating Trump’s H-1B visa order: Expert advice for students and professionals

Rising interest in alternatives to the US

A notable trend this season is the growing consideration of non-US destinations. Countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany are gaining traction due to more immigration-friendly policies, such as streamlined post-study work visas and points-based systems that favour skilled graduates. For instance, Canada's Express Entry and the UK's Graduate Route offer clearer paths to permanent residency, appealing to students wary of US uncertainties.

Even regions like South and Southeast Asia are emerging as options, with institutions in Singapore and Malaysia providing competitive programmes at lower costs. Europe, particularly through initiatives like Germany's Job Seeker Visa, is attracting those in tech and research. This shift isn't just reactive; it's about seeking environments that value talent without lottery-based risks. Students are increasingly viewing education as a global investment, applying to multiple countries to hedge against policy volatility.

Ganeriwala, said, "We are currently coming across students interested in looking into other countries across the globe, including Europe, and South and Southeast Asia, and their colleges provide similarly lucrative opportunities."

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Looking ahead: Resilience in a changing landscape

Despite the challenges, the outlook for Indian students remains optimistic. The US continues to prize innovation and diversity, and with legal scrutiny often tempering restrictive policies, many experts urge against knee-jerk reactions. Instead, the focus is on proactive measures: staying informed via career services and advisors, investing in versatile skills, and embracing a value-based immigration mindset over luck-dependent lotteries.

This admission season's pulse reflects a maturing approach—less fixation on the American dream and more on building agile, competitive profiles. By diversifying options and planning strategically, students can navigate visa reforms not as roadblocks, but as catalysts for broader global success. As policies evolve, those who adapt will thrive, turning uncertainty into a launchpad for resilient careers.