US curbs F-1 student visa stay to 4 years, affecting 3 lakh Indians
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new rule that caps the authorised stay for foreign students on F-1 visas at a maximum of four years, replacing the previous 'duration of status' (D/S) provision. This change is expected to affect over 300,000 Indian students currently studying in the US, most of whom are enrolled in graduate programmes in STEM fields.
Under the old system, students could remain in the US as long as they maintained their student status, with no fixed end date. The new rule, set to take effect in mid-September, requires students to be admitted for a period matching the length of their academic programme, up to a maximum of four years. Those who need more time to complete their degrees — such as PhD or medical students — must formally petition the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension of stay.
Experts say the change introduces additional paperwork, costs, and risks for students. Bangalore-based immigration advisor Sukanya Raman noted, 'Instead of remaining in F-1 visa status for as long as they comply with their academic programme, students now face fixed admission deadlines and must file for an extension of stay to complete longer degrees.'
The post-graduation grace period has also been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. This period allows students to prepare to leave the US or apply for a change of status. The rule also affects Optional Practical Training (OPT), a programme that lets students work in the US after completing their studies.
The DHS stated that the change 'restores integrity to the nation's immigration system, combats rampant visa abuse, and strengthens national security through regular vetting.' DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, 'For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the US indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the US.'
Current F-1 visa holders will be transitioned to the new system automatically, with their authorised stay capped at four years from the effective date. Experts caution that there is still a lack of clarity on how the rule will be implemented in practice, and they advise students to monitor updates from their universities and immigration authorities.
As of January 2025, there were about 300,000 Indian students in the US, according to official figures. In 2024, over 90,000 Indians obtained F visas. The new rule is likely to complicate the plans of many current and prospective students, though the full impact will become clearer once it is enforced.
