International students in America may face new challenges Department of Homeland Security under donald trumpThe administration is moving forward with major visa rule changes. New rules will likely increase costs and uncertainty F-1 visa student. The changes will impact how long students can stay and how they plan their studies. Indian students may feel a major impact, as they constitute the largest group of international students in the US.
The biggest change in Donald Trump’s proposed student visa rules
Many international students will no longer benefit from the “duration of status” process, a change that has been finalized by the Department of Homeland Security. The new rule limits most F-1 students to the length of their academic program, a maximum of four years.
This rule will also reduce the period of exemption after studies or training from 60 days to 30 days. The maximum period of stay for students in English language programs will be 24 months.
The new system will also affect exchange visitors and representatives of foreign media holding J visas. Students must apply for an extension to remain in the US while continuing their approved studies.
Extensions will require USCIS approval, documentation, and biometric information. If students do not extend their stay on time, they may face illegal attendance problems.
The rule would also restrict academic changes for international students. In the first year, graduate F-1 students are not allowed to change their major or study program or change their education level except in certain situations.
Graduate students face strict rules and generally cannot change their program or field of study. There will be restrictions on them even during transfer to other schools.
DHS has developed transition arrangements for students who are currently in the United States under the current system. Under the current system students already living in the US can continue under the existing “duration of status” framework for up to four additional years or until they complete their current academic program, whichever occurs first.
The new fixed term system is expected to come into effect from September 17 Open Doors Report It is learned that 3.6 lakh Indian students were enrolled in America in 2024-25.
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