A woman recently took to social media to ask an important question that many individuals contemplating a master’s degree in the U.S. for 2025 are facing. With increasing expenses, uncertainties surrounding visas, and changes in the job market, is it still valuable to follow this route?

Challenges arise immediately after graduation. Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) have just 90 days to find a job. If they don’t succeed within this timeframe, they are required to leave the country. Even if they manage to obtain employment, they then confront the additional hurdle of the H1B lottery. If they are not chosen in the lottery, they end up starting over again.

For those lucky enough to secure their H1B visa promptly, the difficulties don’t end there. The visa is only valid for a period of three years, and renewing it depends on maintaining employment. If they lose their job, they have just 60 days to find a new employer willing to sponsor them; otherwise, they must leave the United States right away.

The green card backlog creates additional stress. Many people find themselves waiting for years, or even decades, to obtain permanent residency, which results in a sense of instability. Making long-term decisions like purchasing a home, planning for the future, or starting a family becomes uncertain when everything is dependent on visa approvals.

If Trump were to return to office, the circumstances might become considerably more difficult. During his last term, his administration established travel bans, imposed visa restrictions, and adopted policies that made immigration more complex. As we are already witnessing numerous alterations to immigration regulations, this could result in tougher rules for F1 and H1B visas, extended processing times for international students, and ultimately, diminished opportunities for those hoping to study and establish themselves in the U.S.

The financial challenges are significant as well. Pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. can range from 60 to 70 Lakhs ($75,000 to $85,000). Although securing a well-paying job right after graduation could help one recover the costs within a few years, attaining genuine financial security, purchasing real estate, or gaining a sense of stability typically requires a much longer period.

At the same time, India’s technology sector is flourishing. Major companies are providing salaries ranging from 50 to 60 Lakhs ($60,000 to $72,000), which is attractive given the country’s living expenses. Additionally, there is no visa-related anxiety in India—there are no worries about lotteries, extensions, or unexpected job losses affecting residency.

Residing in the U.S. is not solely about earning a high income or enjoying an improved quality of life. It requires handling every aspect of life independently—preparing meals, cleaning, dealing with documentation, and facing unpredictability. A single rejection of a visa application can erase years of effort in an instant.

Although the U.S. offers opportunities for exposure, networking, and advanced research, it’s important to weigh whether these advantages are worth the financial and emotional costs, particularly in light of the increasingly unstable immigration system.

Studying in the U.S. can still be a great opportunity for those who have scholarships or financial aid. However, if it means incurring substantial debt and relying on the job market to pay it off, the potential risks can be considerable. Countries with more favorable immigration policies, or even the growing job market in India, may be smarter options. The American Dream is not over, but by 2025, it is no longer the only aspiration that is valuable to chase.