A US federal court's decision to strike down President Donald Trump's proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee has renewed discussion around studying and working in the United States.
According to a study-abroad expert, one of the biggest misconceptions among Indian students remains unchanged: that admission to a US university automatically paves the way for a long-term career in America.
Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO of University Living, said students today are becoming more informed about international education, but many still overestimate the role of the H-1B visa in determining career success.
The biggest H-1B myth, according to Arora, is that admission to a US university guarantees a pathway to long-term employment.
"In reality, career outcomes depend on a combination of factors, including skills, industry demand, work experience, networking, employer requirements and immigration policies," he said.
Arora added that students often focus too heavily on the H-1B visa itself, even though employers ultimately hire candidates based on their employability.
"While the H-1B remains an important pathway for international graduates seeking employment in the US, it is ultimately employer demand and a student's employability that drive hiring decisions," Arora said.
Students who concentrate only on visa outcomes, he noted, frequently underestimate the importance of internships, practical experience, professional networking and skill development during their studies.
It's not just about tech jobs, another misconception, Arora said, is that career opportunities in the US are limited primarily to technology-related fields.
While STEM programs continue to attract significant interest, he said graduates can also find opportunities in healthcare, engineering, finance, business, research, data analytics and other emerging sectors, depending on industry demand and individual qualifications.
He also stressed the importance of planning for post-study careers early by pursuing internships, research opportunities, industry engagement and networking throughout university.
