Shreya Mishra Reddy reflects on the challenges of securing a US job and the uncertainty of the H-1B visa system.
Shreya Mishra Reddy, an Indian national, shared her experience as an international student who struggled to secure a permanent job in the United States. After completing her master's degree at Duke University, Reddy faced difficulties obtaining an H-1B visa, which led to her departure from the country in early 2026. Reddy noted that the proposed $100,000 fee for hiring H-1B employees from outside the U.S. created significant uncertainty for international graduates. While she successfully worked at Visa, she highlighted the hardships faced by many students who take out loans to study abroad. She expressed optimism about returning to India, where the startup industry is booming. Reddy remains confident that not securing a job in the U.S. is not a failure, but rather a valuable professional experience that enhanced her resume and personal growth.