US Student Visas To Have Expiry Date? What This Means For Indians

There is going to be a major change in the US student visa system that could change how international students plan their dream education and career in the country. The new system might replace the long-standing ‘Duration of Status’ framework with fixed periods of stay, putting an expiry date on the visa. Here’s how it will impact Indian students studying or planning to study in the USA.

Major Change In Plans For US Student Visa System

According to India Today, the White House has now proposed regulations from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the visa system for international students in the US. A new framework could soon replace the long-standing ‘Duration of Status’ system with fixed periods of stay. Under the proposed rule, the authorised period of stay for international students will reportedly be capped at four years.

The decision is expected to affect holders of F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas and other visa categories. Moreover, the proposed change could also have a major impact on Indian students as they form the largest international student group in the US. Many Indians are enrolled in doctoral, research-intensive and several other long-duration programmes that extend beyond four years. This basically means that students will have to seek visa extensions from the US immigration authorities to complete their courses.

Also Read: Japan Trips To Get Costlier! Tourist Visa Fees Hiked Fivefold To ₹8,778

Students Can Face More Scrutiny & Processing Delays

You should know that under the current ‘Duration of Status’ framework, international students are allowed to remain in the US for as long as they are enrolled in their academic programme. This system gives students the flexibility to extend their studies and transfer between universities without seeking a fresh admission period. According to India Today, the new rule will end this system and replace it with a fixed period of stay.

Reportedly, the rule has not been finalised yet and is awaiting enforcement. If it becomes a reality, students will have to extend their visas. This could require additional documentation, biometric requirements, more scrutiny and processing delays.

Also Read: Visa-Free Airport Transit Begins For Indians At French Airports; UPI To Expand In France

If the new visa system comes into effect, many Indian students in the US will be impacted. What do you think of this change?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Lunamarina and AndreyPopov (Representative Image)