[stealthcat]

Consider applying PhD program to some ML labs in Europe other than UK and France, they pay livable salaries like junior engineers. Better if in Swiss since the salaries are much higher.

European ML labs generally have less prestige than US/China ML labs but they pay much more humane wages even for people with family.

[Dejobism]

That would be nice. But I’m not from a great school and don’t have a lot of published research (co-authored a few papers where I wasn’t the main contributor). I thought maybe that would be a better choice in a few years with a better CV.

[shipwright]

That's not necessarily a deterrent :) it really depends where, also would you consider staying in the states for it? Because I know of some reputable places (west coast mostly) where pretty much if you are to the right person's liking and fit their requirements, your admission won't see objections- there's plenty of time to make a decision about it, because the applications (iirc) take place a bit before* the end of the year. Let me know if you need more details!