Indian students in the United States are facing mounting difficulties as tighter visa enforcement and shrinking work opportunities strain their ability to manage living costs. According to The Times of India, more than 4,700 student visas were revoked in recent months due to irregular attendance or unauthorized employment.
Indian Students in US Struggle with Job Cuts and Rising Living Costs
Workplace inspections in several states have further reduced opportunities, with many students losing part-time jobs that once supported their basic expenses. Several students shared that they now rely on family support or strict budget cuts to survive. A 25-year-old cybersecurity student in Los Angeles said, “Earlier, I balanced studies with a restaurant job, working at least eight hours daily. After inspections, my employer dismissed all student workers. I found another job, but now I’m limited to three hours a day, and my earnings don’t even cover groceries.”
This financial strain has pushed many into shared living spaces. A 27-year-old computer science student in Atlanta reported earning about $1,200 a month previously—sufficient to cover living costs. Now, he earns less than a quarter of that and shares a two-bedroom apartment with five others. “I’ve stopped eating out, cancelled subscriptions, and cut every possible expense. Every dollar counts,” he explained.
Declining OPT Opportunities and Enrollment Push Indian Students to Reconsider US Plans
The challenges are not limited to daily expenses. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, once seen as a crucial bridge to U.S. job experience, is now offering fewer opportunities. Official data indicates a 28% year-on-year drop in active student enrolments from India until March 2025, highlighting the growing discouragement.
Some students are reconsidering their futures. “I came here as an investment in my career. Instead, I’m constantly worried about rent and regulations. If conditions don’t improve, returning to India might be my only option,” said a 25-year-old IT graduate in Atlanta. Consultants are also cautioning aspirants. Chirandeep Patnaik of Lemma One Consulting noted, “This intake was the worst in decades. Students already in the U.S. are struggling, and newcomers must be prepared. The next few years will be especially tough.”
Summary:
Indian students in the US face mounting hardships due to stricter visa enforcement, revoked permits, and shrinking work opportunities. Many rely on family support or shared housing to survive. Declining Optional Practical Training prospects and a 28% drop in enrolments highlight discouragement, with consultants urging caution for future aspirants.
