Indian families living in the UAE are rethinking their children’s higher education and career plans following the announcement of steep H-1B visa fees, which can total around $100,000 per family. The high costs, covering visa processing, legal fees, and associated expenses, have made long-term plans for studying and working in the United States increasingly challenging.
Education consultants note that many parents are now exploring alternatives such as universities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as digital learning and remote internships. Some families are delaying or restructuring their children’s academic and career trajectories to manage the financial burden.
Analysts say the visa fee hike may affect not only individual families but also the broader migration trends of skilled professionals from India, potentially reshaping international student flows and workforce planning. Families are advised to carefully assess costs and explore scholarship opportunities or alternative pathways to ensure educational goals remain achievable.
