No US Visa Shutdown for International Master’s Students, Say Prodigy Finance Experts

• Proposed funding cuts apply only to specific US government-funded PhD research programs, not Master’s students, who are supported by Prodigy Finance.

• There is no widespread deportation, travel ban, or visa restriction targeting law-abiding international students pursuing higher education.

• Many students are choosing to wait until the political climate settles, demonstrating a long-term commitment to their US education goals.

Recent headlines about US student visa issues, potential program cuts, and fears around funding changes have created confusion and anxiety among international students planning to study in the United States. From visa cancellations to certain worries about deportations, there is growing panic among students. However, experts are stepping forward to offer a much clearer perspective.

In a recent Prodigy Finance student table podcast, Stephen Swan, who leads international admissions at the University of Louisville College of Business and has worked with international students for over 14 years, says the reality on campus is far calmer than the social media storm suggests. “The USA is not Hollywood,” Swan says. “If you don’t actively watch the news, most international students living here would hardly notice major changes year to year. While isolated visa issues exist, they are not widespread or targeting students who are legally enrolled and focused on their studies.”

While some students have lost their visas, these cases are rare and often involve specific situations.

Riane Corter, a University Relations expert at Prodigy Finance and fellow speaker on the podcast, agrees that students should focus on facts, not fear. “There’s a lot of noise right now about student visas and policy changes, but for students who simply want to come to the US and earn a degree, there should not be any concern about a visa being revoked.”  She said, “US universities want international students here, and they’re investing in the resources to support them. The demand for skilled talent in STEM and other fields is only growing.”

She added, “While visa revocations or stricter scrutiny do exist, they’re not part of any coordinated effort to push students out. The key is to stay informed through trusted sources, not viral misinformation.”

Much of the fear about ending the STEM OPT program or mass deportations is also based on political proposals, not actual laws. For example, the idea to end STEM OPT comes from a single bill that currently has little support and, we believe, is unlikely to pass. US universities depend on international students, particularly in STEM fields, and losing them would harm both education and the economy.

Another concern is the “funding freeze,” or rather, the proposed reductions and delays in government funding for specific PhD-level research programs. These are targeted measures, not broad-based freezes, and they do not affect students pursuing Master’s degrees, which is the group that Prodigy Finance supports.

Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, says students must separate facts from fear. “We understand that students and families are concerned by conflicting reports around funding and visa changes,” she said. “It’s important to cut through the noise. At Prodigy Finance, we remain committed to supporting students globally, across regions and leading universities, especially in high-demand fields like STEM.”

She clarified that Prodigy Finance’s funding is unaffected by any policy shifts and continues as usual. “The funding freeze in question affects specific research grants for PhD students. We support Master’s students, and their funding remains steady,” Kapoor emphasised.

At a recent Student interaction on 16 April 2025, conducted by the Prodigy Finance team (coffee chat) in Mumbai, many global study aspirants confirmed their strong interest in studying in the US, particularly for STEM courses. While some acknowledged that they are keeping alternative destinations, such as the UK, France, or Germany, in mind, the US remains their top choice.

“Students know the long-term value of a US degree,” said Kapoor. “Despite the political noise, students are not backing out. They’re being patient and strategic, not panicking. They’re willing to wait for things to settle down if needed, but their focus is still firmly on American universities.”

Several persistent myths have fueled the fire. One is that the US is randomly deporting international students. In truth, deportations involve students who violate visa conditions or participate in illegal activities, not those who are enrolled and abiding by the rules.

Another false claim is that the US is banning travel for international students. While there are travel restrictions from a few countries, none affect the major regions from which Prodigy Finance students come.

There’s also a perception that the Trump administration is broadly “anti-immigration.” However, the focus has primarily been on undocumented immigration, not on legally enrolled international students. President Trump has stated that he values skilled international talent and supports expanding H-1 B visas.

Kapoor summed it up, “US universities, especially Ivy League schools and other top-tier institutions supported by Prodigy Finance, continue to welcome international students with open arms. The system thrives on their presence, both academically and financially.”

Swan put it simply, “The US higher education system deeply values international students. If you stay focused on your studies and follow the rules, you’re not under threat.”

In an environment filled with misinformation, students and families need facts, not fear. For students with legitimate ambitions, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the path to study in the US remains open and strong.

Prodigy Finance continues to support international students by offering loans that cover up to the full cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses. No cosigner or collateral is required for most students, making it easier to secure funding. However, Indian students also have the option to choose cosigner-based loans if they prefer. This flexibility allows students to pursue their US education without delays or unnecessary financial hurdles.