Hi Heather. After graduating with a PHD, I currently have an IBR plan and I’m eligible for PSLF with my current job. So far, so good, except that I’m a Canadian citizen, who would one day like to return to and work in my home country. What happens to my repayment plan once I leave the United States? Will I still be eligible for an IBR plan? Given the line of work I’m in and the amount of loans I currently have, I don’t ever anticipate earning the kind of salary that would allow me to do anything BUT IBR, so I’m nervous that my monthly payment will jump dramatically if I leave the country.

I realize the benefits of an IBR and PSLF plan, as well as sticking it out in the States until I’ve paid everything off (if that’s even possible given the horror stories I’ve read about PSLF under Fed Loan), but I also don’t want to feel limited in my career/living options.

Thanks for your perspective.