US Overhauls Student Visa System with New Regulations

Kathmandu. America has made extensive changes to its decades-old student visa system and released new rules. 

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a fixed-term visa rule, removing the 'Duration of Status' system to prevent visa misuse, tighten security checks, and increase federal monitoring of foreign students. 

Under the new system, which will be effective from September 15, students coming on F-1 and J-1 visas will have a maximum stay limit of four years. With the implementation of the new rule, the grace period after completing studies has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Additionally, if one needs to stay in America beyond the stipulated period, permission from the federal government will be required. 

In the previous system, students could stay in America for their entire study duration. However, now only a maximum of four years of entry permission will be granted. Students pursuing courses that take longer than four years will need to obtain approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to continue their studies. 

Existing students in America will automatically transition to this new system, and their stay limit will also be calculated from the date the rule comes into effect. If the study period needs to be extended, students will have to apply to USCIS, which will involve biometrics, background checks, and strict scrutiny. This has shifted the authority to extend visas from universities to the federal government. 

 Similarly, changing the field of study (major), extending the study period, and pursuing another degree will now be subject to stricter government control than before. Within the 30-day grace period, students must leave America, transfer to another institution, or change their visa status and complete the Optional Practical Training (OPT) related procedures. 

Due to the new rules, many American universities, such as Columbia University, have advised foreign students currently outside America to return before September 15. Universities have made this request to avoid potential hassles and complexities that may arise when transitioning from the old system to the new one. 

This change will particularly affect students pursuing long courses in Master's, PhD, and STEM fields. In the context of over 360,000 Indian students studying in America in the 2024-25 academic session, this decision is considered significant for them as well. 

Although DHS claims this step will restore the integrity of the immigration system and prevent visa misuse, educational sector organizations like NAFSA and FIIA DS have expressed concerns. 

They have warned that additional government approvals and cumbersome procedures will delay research and could make America a less attractive destination for foreign talent.