India, Sept. 4 -- For years, the US immigration journey for many Indians has followed a familiar ladder: study on an F-1 visa, move into employment through OPT, secure H-1B sponsorship and, for some, eventually pursue permanent residency. But as immigration rules and timelines evolve, experts say the question is no longer simply whether the ladder remains open, it is how difficult each rung has become to climb.

The latest changes affecting international students, along with continued uncertainty around employment-based immigration, are prompting Indian applicants to look beyond the initial visa or admission decision and consider the entire journey.

Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, spoke to HT.com, describing the path...