u/Substantial_Judge_22

I'm looking for some honest opinions from people currently studying or working in the US, especially international students.

I have an admit to UC San Diego's MS in Computer Science & Engineering (MSCE) for Fall 2026. A year or two ago I would've accepted without thinking twice, but the landscape seems very different now.

Some of the things making me hesitant:

• Companies seem more hesitant to sponsor international graduates than before.

My background:

• years of experience as a Software Engineer in India in Banking and FinTech MNCs.
• Long-term goal is to build a career abroad, but I also need to be practical since this is a significant financial investment.

For those already in the US:

1. If you were in my position today, would you still choose to pursue an MSCS/MSCE?

2. Has the hiring market actually improved in 2026, or is it still difficult for international students?

3. Are companies still sponsoring H-1Bs at similar rates, or has sponsorship become noticeably harder?

4. Do the proposed immigration changes materially change your confidence in studying in the US?

5. If you had to choose today between the US or Australia for a tech career, which would you pick and why?

I’m not looking for reassurance. I’d genuinely appreciate honest opinions from people who are living through this rather than advice from consultants or university marketing.

I'm looking for some honest opinions from people currently studying or working in the US, especially international students.

I have an admit to UC San Diego's MS in Computer Science & Engineering (MSCE) for Fall 2026. A year or two ago I would've accepted without thinking twice, but the landscape seems very different now.

Some of the things making me hesitant:

• The proposed changes to the F-1 "Duration of Status" system, where students may have fixed periods of stay instead of the traditional D/S model, along with additional extension requirements and a shorter grace period.
• More uncertainty around F-1 visas and immigration policies in general.
• The software job market still seems much tougher than it was in 2021-2022, especially for new grads.
• H-1B still feels like a lottery, so even if you land a good job, long-term stability isn't guaranteed.
• Companies seem more hesitant to sponsor international graduates than before.

My background:

• 4+ years of experience as a Software Engineer in India in Banking and FinTech MNCs.
• Long-term goal is to build a career abroad, but I also need to be practical since this is a significant financial investment.

For those already in the US:

1. If you were in my position today, would you still choose to pursue an MSCS?
2. Has the hiring market actually improved in 2026, or is it still difficult for international students?
3. Are companies still sponsoring H-1Bs at similar rates, or has sponsorship become noticeably harder?
4. Do the proposed immigration changes materially change your confidence in studying in the US?
5. If you had to choose today between the US or Australia for a tech career, which would you pick and why?

I'm not looking for reassurance. I'd genuinely appreciate honest opinions from people who are living through this rather than advice from consultants or university marketing.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m currently at a crossroads and could really use some unfiltered perspective from this community. I have 4 years of experience as a software engineer in India, working across both the banking and payment domains. I have recently been admitted into UCSD for the MSCSE program.

However, the "glamour" of a US degree is quickly being eclipsed by the cold reality of the current landscape. I’m hoping those of you currently in the US (or who recently graduated) can help me make this decision.

My biggest concerns are:

• The Job Market: I know 2026 isn't 2021. While AI/ML roles are seeing demand, the "generalist" software engineering market feels incredibly volatile. Is a top-tier degree like UCSD actually helping people land interviews in this climate, or is the degree-to-job conversion rate as low as I fear?
• The "Duration of Status" Change: I’ve been reading up on the DHS proposal to replace "Duration of Status" with a fixed, four-year admission period. The uncertainty of having to file for a USCIS Extension of Stay (with potential for denial/biometrics fees) feels like an added layer of stress that wasn't there before. How much is this actually impacting student peace of mind on the ground? Also, the grace period reducing from 60 days to 30 days.
• Financial Exposure: Taking out a massive loan for a US Master's feels like a "bet the farm" scenario. If I don't land a high-paying role within a few months of graduation, the debt servicing would be catastrophic back home.

My specific questions:

1. Fixed Admission Reality: For those already in the US, how are you preparing for the transition away from "Duration of Status"? Is the prospect of filing for extensions and paying extra fees creating a "permanent anxiety" for international students? (While I know it is not published yet, will the regulators mitigate parts of it in the final review OR Am I just worrying about the impact a little too much)
2. H-1B Math: Given the new wage-weighted lottery, is it realistic to expect an H-1B path as a student, or is the US now effectively a "degree-only" destination where staying long-term is a statistical long shot? OR is this favoring international students?
3. Is studying at UCSD worth the risk considering the current landscape?