India, July 27 -- For decades, the United States (US) has been one of the most popular choices for Indian students. It harbours the finest faculties, universities, and career opportunities, ranging from Silicon Valley to the Wall Street. However, as of 2025, ever increasing costs, competition from other study destinations, and inconsistent immigration policies have left many of us wondering if the 'American Dream' is still worth chasing. In my humble opinion, and after considering recent development, the US is no longer the foremost education destination for Indian students as it used to be in the past. Let's set the facts straight. American universities continue to rank among the best in the world. Yet, the cost of studying at the top universities in the US can easily touch Rs 70-80 lakh annually. Certain scholarships can offset this, but are extremely competitive and only a handful of students are able to secure them. Today, students are looking to study abroad not just with the lens of prestige and academic stature, but rather more simply as a return on investment. The modern reality is that the importance of an international education extends beyond the classroom and the outcomes after graduation matter. This is exactly where the US has become irrefutably opaque. In the past years, the optional practical training and the H-1B visa offered a pathway for post-study work rights, but this has changed significantly. The H-1B visa process continues to be a lottery and even if a student bags it, there are significant delays and employer sponsorship challenges. A clear route to permanent residency is a mystery and the entirety of the US immigration system has developed a reputation of being overly complex and sluggish. In comparison, countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are regularly taking positive steps for clarity on post-study work rights. They prioritise easing students into the workforce with a comprehensible pathway to residency for skilled graduates, offering transparency for a professional future. To be fair, the US remains a global leader in higher education, but is no longer the leading choice for Indian students. The equation has changed due to uncertain visa outcomes and limited or non-existent permanent residency or post-study work right pathways. Therefore, at Silver Fern, we encourage students to consider the broader context when it comes to studying in the US and taking a measured decision if it aligns with their future career goals.htc The author of this article is the CEO and partner at Silver Fern Education Consultants. For more information, contact 964-627-7857...