In recent days, a lot of discussions have understandably been focused on the Trump administration’s decision to hike H-1B Visa fees to $100,000 (earlier fees was between $4000 and $5000. India is likely to be impacted significantly in several ways: first, over 70% of H-1B visas issued in 2024 were availed by Indian professionals and second, several Indian IT companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys have also benefitted from the same.
While the Trump administration’s decision pertaining to the hike in H-1B visa fees has drawn attention, the White House has also issued a memo to 9 universities. Two of the conditions of this memo are: First, only 15% of students enrolled under the student visa exchange, can be international students. Second, only 5% of students can be from one country.
This memo titled ‘‘Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,’ comes days after the proclamation regarding H-1B visas by the Trump administration and at a time when there has been a significant dip in student arrivals from India to the US — August 2025 has witnessed an over 40% (44%) drop from the same period last year.
More importantly, the Trump administration is also planning several changes to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program – a post study work visa which gives an opportunity to undergraduate and graduate students who have graduated to gain experience — many of the students ultimately stay on in the US (while non-stem students get 12 months authorization and STEM students can apply for a 24 month extension. One of the changes on the anvil is a tax on the wages earned by students during the OTP period.
Alternatives to the US for students and professionals
Given the recent developments, the question on many minds is regarding what alternative students and professionals have to the US?
While the normal response would be any other country in the Anglosphere like the UK, Canada and Australia are also seeking to restrict the inflow of international students. Apart from this, the approach towards immigration has hardened and witnessed a sudden shift in these countries. Before leaving for India, the UK PM Keith Starmer ruled out additional UK visas for skilled Indians. Both countries have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), UK’s cautious approach on this issue highlights the overall approach towards immigration.
The alternative preferences of students — to countries in the Anglosphere — are based on the following factors. First, affordability. State institutions in Germany are an attractive choice for Indian students due to their reputation and affordability. Several Non-western countries like Japan and UAE too are also wooing students by offering scholarships. Japan has introduced the MEXT scholarships for international students and has set an ambitious target of attracting 15,000 students over the next five years. Another Asian nation which has emerged as a popular destination in recent times is South Korea due to its affordability as well as proximity to India.
The second is job opportunities. Germany offers an 18-month post study work visa and is also trying to attract talented professionals. 2025 witnessed a sudden rise in enrolments of Indian students in Germany – the number of student arrivals from India was estimated at 60,000.
The third is stability in terms of student visa and work visa policies. On this, Germany has a reasonably good record. The German Ambassador to India, Philip Ackermann while commenting on this said:
“Our immigration policy functions similarly to a contemporary, dependable, and predictable German automobile. There are no zigzags.”
Germany has been trying to attract Indian professionals especially in STEM fields – especially IT and engineering.
Finally, geopolitical stability and geographical location matter. While UAE may not be the first preference for students — in the longer run, it’s geopolitical stability and proximity to India will stand it in good stead.
Overseas campuses of UK Universities in India: A feasible option for Indian students?
Here it would be pertinent to point out, that students who want high quality education at affordable prices can also explore the option of enrolling at overseas campuses of UK and Australian Universities. 9 UK Universities have got the approval to set up universities in India – Southampton University which has set up a campus in Gurgaon is already functioning.
UK PM Keith Starmer while commenting on the setting up of UK campuses in India said,
“The demand for the best quality higher education is very high. I am really pleased to announce that more British universities will be setting up campuses in India, making Britain India’s leading international provider of higher education and delivering on our vision 2035.”
In conclusion, while the immigration policies of Australia and western countries are witnessing a change and they may have posed a short-term challenge for Indian students and professionals, there are several alternatives to explore.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Tridivesh Singh Maini is a New Delhi based analyst interested in Punjab-Punjab linkages as well as Partition Studies. Maini co-authored ‘Humanity Amidst Insanity: Hope During and After the Indo-Pak Partition’ (New Delhi: UBSPD, 2008) with Tahir Malik and Ali Farooq Malik. He can be reached at tridivesh80@hotmail.com.
