The growing challenges international students face in securing internships and jobs in the United States have raised concerns among parents investing heavily in their children’s American education. Entrepreneur Vijay Thirumalai recently highlighted these difficulties, particularly exacerbated by AI-driven visa screening processes. His observations came in response to a warning from editor Smita Prakash, who noted that many international students are being immediately rejected from internship opportunities due to questions regarding their long-term work authorization in the US.
Thirumalai expanded on this issue, explaining that companies are increasingly filtering out candidates who may require a work visa in the future, even those currently holding an Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa. He cautioned parents to reconsider spending upwards of $300,000 on a US undergraduate degree when their children may struggle to secure employment after graduation due to such systemic challenges.
In light of these growing barriers, Thirumalai suggested alternative options for families. He pointed to top-tier educational institutions in countries like Canada and Germany as viable alternatives, where there are clearer paths to residency. Specifically, he highlighted schools such as the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto as excellent choices for international students seeking a stable future.
For those still determined to pursue education in the United States, Thirumalai proposed the EB-5 visa investment route as a way to circumvent the H-1B visa difficulties. The EB-5 visa, which requires a $800,000 investment in a US-based business, offers a quicker path to permanent residency. Thirumalai pointed out that the reduced cost for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) under FEMA regulations brings the total required investment down to $400,000.
The advantages of the EB-5 visa are significant. By making this investment, students can obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) within two years of their undergraduate degree and secure a Green Card by age 24 or 25. This would allow them to work without the restrictions of the H-1B system, drastically increasing their chances of securing internships, jobs, or even starting their own businesses. Thirumalai emphasized that this approach could offer a far higher return on investment than the uncertain job prospects that accompany a US degree, particularly when factoring in currency depreciation and reduced EB-5 investment costs for NRIs.
Thirumalai also suggested that families with multiple children could structure their EB-5 applications to minimize tax concerns, making the immigration process smoother and more affordable. This strategy presents a compelling case for parents considering long-term educational and professional opportunities for their children, while navigating the complexities of immigration and visa policies.
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