I am considering applying for a PhD program in the United States in 2026, following my recent return from the country after completing my master’s degree. Are there any potential visa or immigration-related challenges I should be aware of?
When applying for a PhD in the U.S. in 2026, there are a few potential visa or immigration-related challenges to consider. First, if you previously held an F-1 visa for your master’s, you will need to apply for a new F-1 visa for the PhD, which may involve additional scrutiny during the interview to ensure your intent is genuinely academic. Second, gaps between your master’s and PhD studies should be justified in your application. Lastly, ensure you maintain strong ties to your home country to address potential “intent to immigrate” concerns during the visa interview.