Navigating Post-H-1B Visa Life: An Indian National's Journey Beyond the US
Shreya Mishra Reddy's journey as an Indian national navigating the complexities of post-graduate life in the United States highlights a growing trend among international students facing significant hurdles in securing long-term employment. After completing her master's degree at Duke University and gaining professional experience at Visa, Reddy's aspirations for a career in the US were significantly impacted by the introduction of a substantial $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. This, coupled with the overall unpredictability of the visa system, led her to pivot away from US-based opportunities. Her narrative underscores the critical challenges, from intense job market competition to the emotional and financial strain of visa processes, that many international graduates encounter. Reddy's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability, as she now explores alternative career paths and life choices in Canada and India, re-evaluating her professional future beyond American borders.
Reddy's initial move to the US in 2021 was driven by the desire to pursue a master's in engineering management. Graduating in 2022, she secured a position at Visa the following year. However, her inability to secure an H-1B visa meant her student work authorization expired in January 2026, necessitating her departure from the country. Her initial plan to return to India and continue applying for US roles was derailed by the news in September 2025 of a potential $100,000 additional fee for companies hiring H-1B employees from outside the US. Although this fee faced legal challenges and is not currently enforced, the lingering uncertainty prompted Reddy to cease her pursuit of US opportunities. This decision reflects a broader sentiment among international students who find the US immigration system increasingly prohibitive and unpredictable, forcing them to reconsider their career trajectories.
Reddy also reflects on the stark contrast between the idealized portrayal of studying abroad on social media and the harsh realities faced by international students. She notes the significant difficulties in securing employment without an established support system or prior market knowledge. Her own success in landing a job at Visa felt like an anomaly, largely attributed to her previous work experience in India. Many of her peers were forced to return home due to their inability to find suitable employment, highlighting a systemic issue given the substantial financial investment international students make in US education. The current landscape, with the rise of AI impacting entry-level jobs and an increase in layoffs, further exacerbates these challenges. Reddy has since fostered an online community for international students, witnessing a growing interest in alternative visa pathways like the O-1 visa for individuals with "extraordinary" abilities, indicating a shift in strategy among those still hoping to work in the US.
Currently, Reddy is in Toronto, Canada, on a tourist visa, contemplating her next long-term location: Canada or India. She has taken a career sabbatical to focus on personal ventures, including writing a fiction novel and launching a handloom brand. Concurrently, she is exploring corporate roles in the fintech sector, with her final decision on residency hinging on career opportunities and growth prospects. Reddy challenges the common perception among many who view returning to India after a stint in the US as a sign of failure. She sees significant potential in India's booming startup scene in cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Despite deferring an acceptance to a master's program in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania due to persistent uncertainties surrounding student visas and job market conditions, Reddy maintains a positive outlook on her future. She recognizes the invaluable personal and professional growth gained from her US experience, which has equipped her with resilience and a robust professional profile, confident in her ability to forge a successful path outside the United States.