US Caps Student and Journalist Visas at 4 Years, Indian Students Face New Hurdles
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule that imposes fixed time limits on visas for international students, exchange visitors, and journalists. The change, announced on Thursday, is expected to significantly affect Indian nationals, who constitute a large share of these visa categories.
Under the new regulation, F visas for academic students, J visas for exchange visitors, and I visas for media representatives will no longer be valid for the duration of a programme or employment. Instead, student and exchange visas will be capped at four years. Journalist visas will be limited to 240 days, with a further reduction to 90 days for Chinese nationals. Visa holders may apply for extensions or re-enter the US to reset their period of admission.
The rule also restricts graduate students from changing their educational objectives without authorisation and halves the grace period after completing studies from 60 days to 30 days. The changes will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, subject to Congressional review.
India has been a major source of students for US universities. As of January 2025, about 300,000 Indian students were enrolled in the US, predominantly in graduate programmes in STEM fields. In 2024, the US issued 90,129 F visas, 15,208 J visas, and 426 I visas to Indian nationals. However, after previous immigration crackdowns, F-1 visa issuances to Indians fell sharply by 69% in June-July 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The DHS stated that the increase in visa volumes—over 1.8 million student admissions in 2024 alone—has challenged its monitoring capacity. The agency noted instances of individuals staying on visas for decades. The rule aims to ensure that visitors adhere to the terms of their admission and leave when required.
Reactions from Indian student groups and educational institutions have been cautious. Many are concerned about reduced flexibility for graduate students and the shortened grace period. However, the ability to apply for extensions provides some relief. The rule's publication was anticipated since DHS submitted it to the Office of Management and Budget in May 2025.
Stakeholders are now awaiting Congressional review and the final implementation date. Indian students and professionals planning US travel or study are advised to consult official DHS guidelines and ensure compliance with the new requirements.
