US visa situation and job market (UK & EU)- Community Q&A

A lot has changed in global politics and labor markets over the last couple of years. That uncertainty is making prospective MBA applicants and international students ask big questions. Should I apply to US schools now? Will OPT transfers to H-1B be affected by proposed policy changes? Are European and UK job markets better options? Is the Middle East a smarter bet?

We held a candid community session to tackle those questions. Below are the questions asked by our community members.

US visa situation and job market in the UK & EU – Community Q&A

Context: We recently had a live Q&A with our community members discussing recent political developments in the US, implications for international students and H-1B visas, and how job markets in the US, UK and Europe are shifting. The questions listed below are the ones asked by our community members and answered by our experts.

Q1 – Will a student on F-1 who goes OPT and then gets an H-1B be subject to the proposed $100k H-1B fee or new restrictions?

Answer: No. The $100,000 fee being discussed applies to fresh H-1B applications for people entering via routes other than study-to-work transitions. If you go F-1 → OPT → H-1B through the normal transfer process, the $100k fee does not apply to that transfer. In short, students who study in the US and convert via OPT to H-1B are not the target of that specific fee. That said, the employment climate could still make hiring internationals more cautious because of broader political and geopolitical uncertainty.

Q2 – Will international student placements and employers’ willingness to hire internationals be affected?

Answer: Yes, hiring sentiment is already affected. Even though transfers from F-1 to H-1B are technically exempt from the $100k fee, employers are nervous because of political uncertainty and potential sudden policy changes. This has created confusion among candidates and recruiters, and has made some employers more hesitant to hire international students. The core point is that legal exemptions do not remove employer risk perception. Expect some tightening in hiring, at least in the short term.

Q3 – How should applicants frame their post-MBA career goals given the uncertainty in US hiring?

Answer: Two practical approaches are working well right now.

If you have a clear, high conviction plan that requires being in the US after graduation, communicate that conviction in your application. Admission committees respond to clarity and realistic plans.

If you are unsure or want to spread risk, present a credible Plan B. Make Plan B concrete rather than vague. For example, explain routes to roles in Europe, the Middle East or your home market, and show the steps you will take to secure them. Admissions teams increasingly ask about contingency plans during interviews, so Plan B should not sound like an afterthought.

Remember, clarity in the writing matters more than the content alone. A well-argued Plan B is not a sign of indecision. It is a sign of realism and preparation.

Q4 – Are top US schools still offering scholarships, and have scholarship patterns changed this cycle?

Answer: Scholarships continue to exist. We already have applicants this round receiving large scholarships – for example, one student was awarded about $90,000 at Darden just last week. At the same time, other admits received no scholarship. It is too early to generalize broadly; we need more data when more R1 and R2 results come out. In short, scholarships are still possible, but outcomes vary by candidate and by school.

Q5 – Do business schools, and their career development centers, guarantee placement support if US hiring worsens?

Answer: No. Career development centers give you tools and access. They can help with networking best practices, messaging for outreach, mock interviews, and guidance on how to approach alumni. They do not guarantee jobs. Ultimately students must activate and use the network. The school can improve your outreach effectiveness, but landing a role depends heavily on the student’s initiative and the employer climate.

Q6 – How is artificial intelligence affecting the job market for MBA graduates?

Answer: AI is boosting productivity for many roles but it is also accelerating changes in hiring. Some tech roles and routine tasks are shrinking. Companies have already reduced headcount in some tech sectors. In parallel, AI is making some candidates more competitive, especially those who can demonstrate strategic value, creativity, and the ability to use AI as a productivity multiplier. Expect an ongoing reshaping of roles rather than uniform job growth in all fields.

Q7 – Given uncertainty in US and UK markets, which geographies are still growing or offering strong opportunities?

Answer: The Middle East, especially the UAE and Abu Dhabi, is one of the brighter spots right now. Oil revenue and active hiring in certain sectors make it attractive for MBA grads. Singapore also remains relatively strong, particularly for finance and tech roles in Asia Pacific.

Europe is mixed. Ireland is still a hub for tech operations due to tax incentives. Amsterdam, Berlin and Luxembourg have hiring in specific sectors. However, language requirements matter in many European countries. France, Spain, Italy and Germany often expect or prefer local language skills for many roles. That makes landing jobs in those markets harder without language competence.

Q8 – For European business schools, has competition increased and have score expectations changed?

Answer: Yes, competition patterns have shifted. For some European programs like LBS, volumes are expected to rise, especially in Round 2 this cycle, as applicants re-route from the US. For INSEAD and other international programs, competition remains intense but the profile mix matters. GMAT scores are only one factor. For many European schools, international exposure, work experience diversity and cultural fit are important. A GMAT in the mid 600s may be competitive for many programs, but international exposure and distinctiveness in your profile can tip decisions.

Q9 – Does language matter for placements in Europe?

Answer: Yes. For countries like France, Spain and Italy, local language skills are often required for many corporate roles. If you do not have the language, roles are much more limited. Schools and employers in those countries do hire international graduates, but without language skills you will face more constraints. Learning the basics of the local language before or during the program significantly improves placement prospects.

Q10 – Should I delay my MBA application until the political situation stabilizes?

Answer: There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider these points.

If you have a high-conviction plan and strong candidacy, applying now may still make sense.

If you are unsure about the post-MBA geography and need more clarity, you might delay to gather more information. But waiting for perfect certainty may not be practical because global shifts are ongoing and may not resolve quickly.

If you apply this year, prepare a strong Plan B that is realistic and shows adaptability. Schools value resilience and strategic thinking, especially in uncertain times.

Q11 – Are certain schools providing better networks for Middle East and Asia placements?

Answer: Yes. Some programs have stronger footprints in specific regions. INSEAD, for example, has a global footprint across multiple continents. Schools that intentionally position themselves in or near the Middle East and Asia, and those that have alumni networks in those regions, will provide better direct access. Also consider programs like NYU Abu Dhabi and other regional campuses which are explicitly connected to those markets.

Practical takeaways for applicants

• If you plan to study in the US and go through F-1 → OPT → H-1B, the proposed $100k fee is not meant to apply to that route. Still prepare for employer caution.
• Build a credible Plan B and communicate it clearly in your applications and interviews.
• Research region-specific language and market requirements if you consider Europe.
• Consider the Middle East and Singapore as viable markets with active hiring in many sectors.
• Use the school’s career services as a platform. The heavy lifting of networking and securing roles is on you.
• Emphasize resilience, clarity of purpose, and adaptability in your application narrative.

Final thoughts

This is not a moment for panic. It is a moment for strategy. The global landscape is evolving and opportunities remain, but they are shifting. For many applicants, the best approach is a pragmatic one: be deliberate about school choices, present a clear primary plan and a practical Plan B, and focus on the geographies and sectors that are hiring.

If you’re applying or planning to in the next year, research your MBA options carefully. Focus on roles and schools that can support H-1B visa jobs & US job markets, understand the requirements, and be ready with a solid backup. Let’s get it done! Stay focused, be authentic, and let your unique story shine through with MBA&Beyond.