Indian students planning to study in the US may need to rethink their plans.
The United States has announced major changes to its student visa system that will directly affect those applying for F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visitor visas.
The biggest change is the end of the long-standing “Duration of Status (D/S)” system.
Instead of being allowed to stay in the US for as long as they remain enrolled in their course, students will now be granted permission to stay only for a fixed period.
What Has Changed?
According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the new rules are aimed at preventing visa misuse, strengthening security checks, and improving monitoring of international students.
The revised rules will come into effect from September 15.
Immigration experts are advising students who are scheduled to begin their studies around that time to enter the US before the new rules take effect, if possible.
Under the new system:
Most international students will be allowed to stay in the US for a maximum of four years.
Students who need more time to complete their studies must seek government approval for an extension.
The grace period after completing studies has also been reduced.
Indian Students Could Be Among the Most Affected
India is now the largest source of international students in the US.
During the 2024-25 academic year, more than 3.6 lakh Indian students were enrolled at American universities.
Many Indian students pursue master’s, doctoral, and STEM programs that often last longer than four years.
These students are expected to feel the biggest impact of the new policy.
Even students pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree may need to apply for additional permission if they wish to stay in the US for work after graduation.
Impact on Different Student Categories
The new rules could affect students in different ways:
Bachelor’s students: A four-year visa may cover their degree, but they may need an extension to stay for post-study work.
Master’s students: Students enrolled in two-year programs will receive visas for their course duration.
However, they may need an extension to work under OPT or STEM-OPT after graduation.
PhD and research students: Since many doctoral programs take more than four years, these students are likely to require visa extensions to complete their education.
Universities Raise Concerns
While DHS says the new framework will improve oversight and protect the integrity of the immigration system, several higher education organizations have expressed concerns.
Groups such as NAFSA and the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) believe the new rules could create additional paperwork, delays, and uncertainty for students pursuing long-term academic and research programs.
They also warn that stricter approval requirements may discourage talented international students from choosing the US for higher education.
For Indian students planning to study in America, understanding these new rules and preparing early could be more important than ever.
