With more visa-friendly destinations, the USA is not the only choice anymore

London, November 2025: The United States has been on everyone’s mind these past couple of years, especially for students in STEM fields. From visa fee hikes to shifting immigration policies, every new update has brought fresh waves of confusion - especially for students dreaming of studying in the country. Some deferred their plans, while others reapplied, hoping things would finally settle. For many non-STEM students, the uncertainty was enough to make them look to other destinations but for STEM aspirants, the U.S. dream never really faded. They waited patiently, believing that things would eventually work out.

That wait may have finally paid off. The recent announcement on H1B Visa from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has brought relief to thousands of Indian students. For those already studying in America, it restores faith that their hard work is leading somewhere certain. And for students in India preparing for the 2026 intake, it’s a welcome reminder that the U.S. is still worth the time, effort, and cost. 

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The key update confirms that the newly proposed $100,000 surcharge on certain H-1B visa petitions will not apply to in-country status changes from F-1 to H-1B. For international students, particularly those on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the STEM OPT extension, this clarification means everything. It safeguards the bridge between study and work, showing that the system still recognises the talent and contribution of global students to the U.S. economy.

Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, said the change feels deeply personal for many students. “This decision feels personal for thousands who have waited through uncertainty. Students who reached out to us during earlier announcements shared that their managers and colleagues were supportive, encouraging them to stay hopeful. Now, that hope feels justified. It’s a sense of justice for those who have worked hard, saved for tuition, and invested years into building a global career.”

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For students in India and planning for studies in the USA in 2026, the update carries just as much emotional weight. It reinforces the idea that the U.S. remains a country that values skill, ambition and talent. Kapoor said the timing of the clarification couldn’t have come at a better moment. For many STEM students, it is more than just a policy change; it is a reminder that the American dream is still very much alive for those who are willing to work for it. However, in the past few months, we’ve seen students think more deeply about their choices; they're planning every step carefully, even in uncertain times. We hope that this update will give them a sense of relief and the confidence to move forward with clarity and hope.

She added that today’s students are more strategic than ever. “In this competitive environment, preparing early isn’t a choice anymore, it's a must. Students are starting their applications months, sometimes even a year, in advance. They’re mapping out internships, developing skills, and aligning their post-study or H-1B timelines long before they land in the U.S."

At the same time, students are looking at their global options more broadly. “Countries like the U.K., Germany, France, and even the UAE are becoming strong contenders,” Kapoor said. “Their visa systems are smoother, programmes are often more affordable, and job opportunities are expanding fast. The U.S. announcement has certainly brought relief, but we’ll have to wait and see how it shapes the 2026 intake. 

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