Trump’s H-1B Visa Reforms Mixed Impact on MBA Graduates Careers

The Trump administration’s latest H-1B visa reforms are set to reshape opportunities for international MBA students, creating both hope and uncertainty. The new rules prioritize higher-paid jobs for H-1B visa allocation, potentially benefiting top MBA graduates while creating challenges for those taking lower-paying roles.

Luca, a first-year MBA student at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, shared his concerns about the H-1B visa changes. “I’ve become an expert in immigration law,” he said, noting that his post-graduation plans in the US real estate sector could be affected. Like many international students, Luca hopes to secure H-1B visa status after graduation, but recent reforms have created questions about eligibility.

The Trump administration’s H-1B visa reforms include a $100,000 fee for first-time applicants outside the US and a move to prioritize higher-wage positions in the lottery system. Experts note that this prioritization may benefit MBA graduates from elite schools with lucrative job offers, while leaving students in lower-paying sectors, particularly sales and marketing, at a disadvantage.

“Prioritizing higher-paid jobs could assure H-1B visa status for many MBA graduates,” said Daniel Costa, director of immigration law research at the Economic Policy Institute. “But it also means students in lower-paying positions may struggle to secure the visa, despite having advanced degrees.”

Data shows that nearly half of H-1B petitions for MBA graduates in recent years were for jobs below the median wage, with 21% classified as entry-level. Many graduates accepted lower salaries in the US, even when their education and skills qualified them for higher-paying roles. The reforms aim to raise prevailing wage levels, giving preference to higher-paying H-1B jobs in the lottery and excluding the lowest wage tiers from future allocations.

While the $100,000 fee caused initial concern among students and employers, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that it applies only to first-time petitions from applicants outside the US. Those already in the country can change their status or continue employment without paying the fee. Immigration lawyers hailed this clarification as a relief for current international students pursuing MBA programs in the US.

For students like Luca, the reforms highlight the importance of aligning career choices with H-1B visa requirements. “It’s very good news for international students already in the US,” said immigration lawyer Dani Rizzo. “But post-graduation job offers and salaries will play a huge role in who secures H-1B visa status under the new rules.”

As US employers and MBA graduates adjust to the new H-1B visa reforms, the focus will shift to higher-paying roles, ensuring that only the most competitive positions meet the prevailing wage thresholds. While the reforms offer opportunities for some, they underscore the challenges faced by international students navigating the complex US immigration landscape.

The new H-1B visa rules are expected to shape employment prospects, salaries, and career trajectories for international MBA graduates, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and informed decisions in a changing immigration environment.