A 34-year-old Indian professional has opted to move on from the United States after failing to secure an
Despite securing a position at Visa after her 2022 graduation, Reddy found the path to permanent employment blocked by the competitive and unpredictable nature of the U.S. immigration system. Her decision to exit the country was solidified by reports in September 2025 regarding potential significant fee increases for companies hiring H-1B employees from abroad. Although the fee faced legal challenges and is not currently enforced, the resulting atmosphere of uncertainty prompted her to abandon further pursuit of U.S.-based roles.
Navigating the reality of the international job market
Reflecting on her journey, Reddy noted that the reality of the American job market often contrasts with the perception held by prospective students and their families. She observed that many international graduates struggle to find employment, even after significant financial investment in their education. Reddy credited her own success in securing a role at a major firm to her prior professional experience in India, noting that many of her peers were forced to return home after failing to find work.
She emphasized that the current landscape, influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence and frequent corporate layoffs, has made the transition from student to employee increasingly difficult. While she maintains that her time at Duke University provided valuable personal and professional growth, she recently declined an offer to pursue a second master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania, citing concerns over the job market and visa stability.
Exploring new opportunities beyond the United States
Reddy is currently based in Toronto on a tourist visa and is evaluating her next steps, which include potential career paths in Canada or a return to India. She is currently balancing her job search in the fintech sector with personal projects, including writing a book and launching a handloom brand.
Addressing the stigma sometimes associated with returning to one's home country, Reddy stated that she does not view her departure from the U.S. as a failure. She pointed to the rapid growth of the startup ecosystem in major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi as evidence of viable professional alternatives. Looking ahead, she remains optimistic about her future, noting that the resilience she developed while navigating the U.S. immigration system will continue to serve her in her next chapter.
