The United States is preparing to tighten rules for international students, which could significantly affect Indian students.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed changes that would end the current ‘Duration of Status’ (D/S) system and replace it with a fixed visa term.
Currently, students on an F-1 visa (for study) or J-1 visa (for exchange programs) can stay in the US for as long as they are enrolled in their academic program. However, the new rules would put an end to this flexibility.
What’s Changing in the Visa Policy?
The Trump administration wants to:
End ‘Duration of Status’, which allows students to stay until their course ends
Introduce fixed visa terms – usually up to 4 years, or until the course is completed, whichever is earlier
Impose additional visa fees and stricter checks
Reduce post-study stay period from 60 days to 30 days
Restrict students from switching colleges or programs easily
These proposed changes are still in draft form and have not yet been implemented.
Why These Changes?
The Trump administration believes that some students are abusing the current visa system by staying in the US longer than needed.
Some enroll in short language courses or keep switching programs to extend their stay. By setting a fixed visa period, the government wants better control and easier monitoring.
Key Proposals in Detail
Fixed visa term: Students will get a visa for up to 4 years, even if their course is longer.
Extensions (e.g., for PhD or OPT) will require applying to USCIS, paying fees, giving biometrics, and possibly attending interviews.
Limited grace period: Students will now only get 30 days after course completion to leave the country instead of 60.
Restrictions on transfers: Students will need to complete at least 1 year before transferring colleges. Also, no switching to a second master’s or lower-level course while on the same visa.
Language courses: These will be limited to 24 months maximum.
These Rules Were In Place for 50 Years
For nearly 50 years, under the ‘Duration of Status’ (D/S) policy, there was no fixed expiry date on the visa.
University officials monitored students and shared updates with DHS. That system offered flexibility to genuine students. These proposed changes would end that system.
What About Current Students?
If these changes are finalized, existing students will also be moved to the new system. However, DHS says they will allow a one-time exemption based on the student’s documents.
The department is seeking public feedback until the end of October 2025, after which a final decision will be made. The rules could go into effect by early or mid-2026.
Visa Fees Have Also Increased
In addition to the stricter rules, the US has announced a visa fee hike:
Starting October 1, 2025, applicants from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program will pay a “Visa Integrity Fee” of $250
Total visa cost will rise to $442, among the highest in the world
This will mostly affect students and professionals from countries like India, China, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, which send large numbers of applicants to the US.
What Is the Impact?
Industry experts say these changes are coming at a time when international travel is already declining.
According to US government data, international arrivals dropped by 3.1% in July, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline. Experts believe that if more restrictions are introduced, it could:
Discourage international students, especially from India
Affect universities that rely heavily on tuition from foreign students
Make it harder for families to plan long-term education goals.
