-
Trump’s H-1B visa move dampens Indians’ craze for NRI spouses
-
Students drop American dreams
Matchmakers and experts report that stricter US immigration policies are impacting Indian matrimonial decisions. Sidhi Sharma, a 19-year-old medical student from Haryana, had hoped to marry an Indian citizen working in the US but abandoned the idea following recent H-1B visa curbs under President Donald Trump. Families worry that potential partners may lose their jobs or visa status, particularly since Indians make up the majority of H-1B holders, with 75% issued to men in 2024, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
“Immigration policies may be written in Washington, but their ripple effects are felt at Indian dinner tables,” said Anuradha Gupta, founder of matchmaking service Vows For Eternity.
- Tighter US immigration rules and H-1B visa changes are causing Indian families to rethink marriages with US-based relatives, while students reconsider studying in America
- The US hosts the world’s largest Indian diaspora, including 2.1 million Non-Resident Indians, long considered prized marriage prospects
- The visa overhaul has slowed interest in NRI grooms and delayed some weddings, as reported by Vanaja Rao, managing director of Vanaja Rao Quick Marriages
Students seeking the American Dream are also reconsidering studying abroad, with 422,335 Indians enrolled in US institutions in 2024. Premium dating platforms such as Knot.dating have adapted by adding a ‘US visa filter’ to display visa status before arranging matches. Male users are required to earn at least ₹5 million ($56,332) annually, highlighting the financial gap for Indian families. KP Singh, an overseas education consultant, noted that this income level is “astronomically higher than what a fresh graduate or professional typically earns in India.”
Families are now exploring alternative destinations for potential spouses, including Canada, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. “Mobility and security are now deeply embedded in marriage decisions,” added Gupta.
