USA: Cancelled Offer Letters To Indian Students

October 22

The situation for Indian students in the USA is becoming increasingly grim. Students who secure internships and perform exceptionally well often receive offer letters from leading companies, reflecting their talent and hard work. However, many of these offers are now being cancelled, leaving students in a state of shock and uncertainty.

One student shared his experience; “I recently received an offer letter from Microsoft, but now the company has canceled it. They fear the volatile situation surrounding H-1B visas. My dream of settling in the USA with a job is shattered.” Stories like hers are becoming all too common.

While some companies are technically willing to sponsor H-1B visas paying the required $100,000 fee to the U.S. government, they remain hesitant due to the unpredictable regulatory environment.

There is widespread uncertainty about potential policy changes, especially under the current administration, and no one can say for sure what announcements might impact the job market for foreign talent.

This climate of apprehension is driving companies to retract offers they might otherwise honor. For students, this means that even exemplary performance may not guarantee job security in the USA. The dream of working and building a future in America is increasingly overshadowed by policy fears and market volatility.

For Indian students, navigating this landscape requires caution, adaptability and contingency planning. While talent and dedication remain crucial, external factors beyond their control are now proving to be decisive in shaping their career prospects abroad.

Walmart Inc also has paused offers to candidates needing H-1B visas following the Trump administration’s imposition of a $100,000 visa fee, a move disrupting employers dependent on foreign skilled labor.

Walmart, the largest H-1B user among major retailers with about 2,390 visa holders out of 1.6 million U.S. workers, said it remains committed to hiring top talent while reassessing its approach.

Employers and visa holders criticize the policy for creating unpredictability and limiting access to global talent. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce sued the administration, arguing the fee harms small and mid-sized businesses, while the White House defended it as a step toward necessary reform.

Meanwhile, a new announcement clarified that the $100,000 visa fee will not apply to F-1 students transitioning to H-1B visas within the United States. However, the rule only covers those job applicants coming directly from abroad.

Despite this clarification, the policy has not immediately stabilized the education or job markets. Uncertainty and frequent policy shifts have left many confused, fearing further reversals or new regulations.

As a result, foreign students face growing skepticism in the job market, and several companies have halted or scrapped H-1B hiring altogether, reflecting the high volatility surrounding U.S. immigration policies.