Planning to move to the US for studies? Here’s what this Indian wants you to know

“US is dead now,” an Indian man has claimed while urging students and professionals to reconsider plans to study or work in America amid uncertainty surrounding visa and employment policies. In an Instagram video, Anushk Sharma said he would no longer recommend the US as a destination, particularly for those planning business programmes, and advised them to consider countries including the UK, Germany, Canada and Switzerland instead.

Sharma, who claimed he has personally helped students plan their move to the US, made an appeal to those still considering the country.

“Genuinely, main aapki haath jod ke request karta hoon, prarthana karta hoon - America mat aao abhi,” he said.


His comments come as international students and foreign workers face uncertainty over immigration and employment-related policies in the US.

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A post shared by Anushk Sharma | Education | Jobs | Ai (@anushkinusa)

‘It’s not worth it anymore’

Sharma said students should be particularly cautious about spending large amounts of money on US education when future internship and employment opportunities remain uncertain.

“It’s not worth it anymore. Bilkul bhi nahi hai,” he said.

He also singled out business programmes, saying, “Specifically agar aapka abhi business programs mein aana hai, toh bilkul mat aana.”

For students looking at business education, he suggested considering institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. Depending on the field of study, he also pointed to Canada, Germany and Switzerland as possible alternatives.

For technology-related students, he specifically recommended Germany and Switzerland, while acknowledging that salaries in those countries may not be comparable with those in the US.

Raises concerns over CPT and OPT

A major part of Sharma’s argument centres on the uncertainty surrounding opportunities for international students after they enter the US.

He claimed that Curricular Practical Training (CPT) had been paused and argued that students could find it difficult to obtain internship experience without access to it.

However, Sharma clarified in the post’s caption that CPT itself had not been abolished. He said the version tied to course credits had become unavailable at some universities following new compliance requirements.

CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, allows eligible F-1 students to undertake certain off-campus employment or internships that are considered an integral part of their academic curriculum.

Optional Practical Training (OPT), meanwhile, allows eligible F-1 students to work temporarily in their field of study.

Sharma also referred to a proposed $100,000 fee linked to OPT and a $100,000 H-1B fee. He argued that uncertainty around these policies could make moving to the US a risky financial decision.

He further claimed that the 60-day H-1B grace period was being targeted, adding to his concerns about whether prospective students should make a major financial commitment at this stage.

‘I would not suggest investing 100k right now’

Sharma said his recommendation was particularly directed at people who would depend on internships and employment after completing their studies.

Although he acknowledged that the situation was not fully settled, he maintained that uncertainty itself should make prospective students cautious.

In the caption accompanying the video, he wrote, “Bhai aana hai aao aapke uppar hai but me suggest nhi krunga abhi... baaki sb finalized nhi hai but I would not suggest investing 100k right now for uncertainty baaki aapki marji.”

He also emphasised that people could still choose to move to the US, but said he would not personally recommend making such a large investment while the rules remained unclear.

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Social media reaction remains divided

The post drew sharply different responses, with some users agreeing that students should delay US plans while others disputed Sharma’s claims about CPT and argued that the impact varies by profession.

One user said they worked with students seeking to study abroad and had reached a similar conclusion.

“100% true. We talk to students daily helping them with 'Study Abroad' and we are saying the same, please don't come right now. Current rules are targeting F1s like crazy. People who came 2-3 yrs back are stuck and have no CPT, no internships, even 10 yr old H1Bs are in risk,” the user wrote.

Another commenter favoured Switzerland over the US, saying, “Switzerland is best. Higher paying than USA. Lower taxes. Better Healthcare. I regret coming here and even if the current policies don't get introduced, even then Switzerland is far better.”

A third user challenged the portrayal of CPT, writing, “STOP SPREADING WRONG NEWS. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) has not been completely canceled or shut down by the federal government, but access to it has been severely restricted following new compliance guidance.”

Another commenter argued that the situation depends on the field of study and said it was inaccurate to suggest that opportunities in every sector had disappeared.

“It depends upon specific field though, you cant say everything is dead. I hve frnd who went there and still made it although they weren't from Tech field. From what I have heard is Tech is cooked and but other have some scopes not a great one but yea there are some good one stille exist thanks for reading,” the user said.

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