WASHINGTON- The United States has introduced sweeping changes to its nonimmigrant visa system, replacing the long-standing “duration of status” policy with fixed admission periods for international students, exchange visitors, and foreign journalists.
The new rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), marks one of the most significant changes to U.S. immigration regulations in decades and is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals, including a large number of Indian students.
Universities, educational institutions, and travel providers are now preparing for a transition to the revised visa framework.
New US Visa Rules for Students
Under the final DHS rule, holders of F visas for academic students and J visas for exchange visitors will receive admission for the duration of their approved academic or exchange program, subject to a maximum stay of four years.
Previously, these visa holders were admitted under the “duration of status” system, allowing them to remain in the United States as long as they maintained their program requirements.
Foreign journalists traveling on I visas will also face stricter limits. Their admission period will now be capped at 240 days, while journalists from China will receive a maximum stay of 90 days.
The revised framework introduces a defined expiration period for visa holders who previously had no fixed admission timeline.
The rule also reduces the grace period for F visa holders after graduation from 60 days to 30 days.
Students requiring additional time to complete their academic programs must formally apply for an Extension of Stay through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, where they will undergo biometric verification, background checks, and fraud screening before approval.
Impact of Visa Changes on Students
The policy is expected to have a significant effect on Indian students, who represent one of the largest international student communities in the United States.
According to the Open Doors 2025 report, 363,019 Indian students were enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities during the 2024–25 academic year, accounting for nearly 31% of all international students.
Current visa holders already residing in the United States under the previous system will automatically transition to the new framework.
Their authorized stay will generally be limited to four years from the rule’s effective date unless they qualify for an approved extension
. The rule also introduces tighter restrictions on transfers between institutions and changes to academic programs, increasing federal oversight of student status.
Immigration Oversight Measures Expanded
DHS said the policy aims to strengthen immigration enforcement by replacing indefinite admissions with fixed periods that require periodic review.
Officials argue the new system will improve monitoring, reduce visa abuse, and enhance national security through regular screening of eligible applicants.
The department noted that many other nonimmigrant visa categories already operate under fixed admission periods, The Hindu reported.
The new regulations are scheduled to take effect after the required federal review process, giving universities, students, and exchange organizations time to prepare for the updated compliance requirements.
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