New H1B Visa Rules Impact on Indian Master’s Students

The new H1B visa rules mainly affect the lottery selection process and eligibility criteria, which can influence Indian students planning to pursue a Master’s in the USA. Here’s how:

1. Master’s Degree Advantage Still Matters – Previously, H1B lottery gave higher chances to U.S. Master’s degree holders. The new rules may prioritize certain wages or skill levels rather than just the degree, which could slightly change selection probabilities.

2. Wage-Based Selection – Some updates focus on giving H1B visas first to jobs with higher prevailing wages. Graduates entering lower-wage positions may face tougher competition, even if they hold a U.S. Master’s degree.

3. Impact on Indian Students – Indian students planning to pursue a Master’s in the U.S. for H1B purposes still benefit because:

o Advanced degrees improve employability in specialized fields like IT, engineering, or healthcare.

o Higher-paying roles associated with Master’s graduates increase the chance of being selected under wage-based criteria.

4. Strategy Adjustments – Students may need to:

o Target employers offering competitive salaries.

o Consider fields and roles that qualify for higher H1B wage tiers.

o Stay informed about changes in lottery rules and selection order.

In short: The new H1B rules may shift emphasis from degree alone to wage and skill-based criteria, but Indian students pursuing a U.S. Master’s still have a strong chance if they secure high-salary, specialized roles.