Planning to study in the US under Trump? Five things Indian students should know before making the move

Here’s what education consultants and immigration lawyers advise prospective students — those heading to the US this year and those applying for the next academic session:

Be Prepared to Return After Graduating

For undergraduate students, education consultant Viral Doshi has a word of advice: “Be prepared to return to India once you complete your education.”

“If you’re going to America, go with the desire to learn. And, be mentally prepared that getting internships and jobs will be more challenging than it was in previous years,” he said.

The reasons he pointed to include the new Bill introduced in the US Congress to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, that allows international students on an F1 visa to work temporarily in the US. He added: “With the MAGA (Make America Great Again) situation, more nationalism could mean that Americans get jobs first. With international students, companies are also uncertain if they may be able to work in the country for a few years, considering the question of whether they will get a H1B visa.”

Don’t Count on Research or Teaching Assistantships

Pratibha Jain, CEO, Eduabroad Consulting, said that it is common for postgrad students to look for research assistantships that can help pay some part of their living expenses in the USA.

“That may not come through because research funding for universities has been affected. Even if reduced, it may be for the American citizen. So, if a student has the money for 80% of their needs, and is relying on a research assistantship for the remaining 20%, they should defer their admission till they have the funds to go,” she said.

She added: “On-campus jobs like research or teaching assistantships, or part-time work, shouldn’t be relied upon. Students must go with funds in hand.”

Follow Rules — No Room for Error

Jain at Eduabroad said, “There will be no compromise. Students will have to have a sterling record. Attendance should be good. We are telling students to start preparing academically right now, before they leave. Be sure to meet both attendance and academic requirements, as no leeway will be given.”

She added: “Earlier, there would be students who didn’t meet the grade. They would get a warning, since it’s a big change and students take time to settle into the rhythm of academics. Universities would take a lenient view and give them time to catch-up. That may not happen anymore.”

Chand Parvathaneni, an attorney in Texas who deals with immigration cases, pointed to seemingly “simple offences” that students need to be careful about, like driving without a license, reckless driving such as not changing lanes properly, and walking on the road while intoxicated. “These are some of the crimes that we have seen that are causing issues with their visas,” he said.

He also flagged academic progress: “Students must pass their classes, pay tuition on time, and ensure they are steadily working towards their degrees.”

Watch What You Post Online

Consultants and lawyers have been telling prospective students to be careful about what they say on their social media accounts.

“Be careful with political activism, even privately on social media,” Doshi said.

Piyush Kumar, Regional Director – South Asia, Canada, Latin America, and Mauritius, IDP Education, said: “Students must also be cautious about what kind of content they post on their social media- they should ensure their actions do not disturb the social fabric or peace of the country.”

Kumar’s checklist for UG, PG and PhD students who are applying or already have offers includes:

Focus on academic goals

• Comply with university and visa rules
• Submit all forms personally
• Review your I-20, visa, and financial documents carefully
• Keep a contingency plan for funding ready — including personal savings or education loans

Postgrads: Consider Deferring Plans

For the next academic year, Jain advised postgraduate aspirants to proceed with caution: “Postgrad students are likely to be more affected. The quality of education won’t be affected, but it is post-study work, jobs, internships that will be impacted for a couple of years.

Undergrads, she said, are safer since their programs span four years, allowing more time for things to stabilise.

“If somebody’s taking a loan and going with the idea that a job there is very important to them, we are asking them to defer it by a year or two so that they graduate in 2030 and not in 2028. By then, this turbulence might settle down, and there may be more clarity on opportunities after they graduate,” she said.

She noted: “So many government jobs in the US have been terminated, and when it comes to employment in the private sector, the priority may go to American citizens. If a student is taking a loan, it may be better to defer plans by a year, or go in 2027.”

What Students Should Do Now

✅ Don’t bank on jobs or assistantships in the US
✅ Secure at least 80% of your funding before going
✅ Comply fully with visa, academic, and conduct rules
✅ Clean up social media — avoid controversial or political posts
✅ Be mentally prepared to return home after your course
✅ If taking a loan, consider deferring your plans by a year or two