International students in the US may face new challenges as the Department of Homeland Security under Donald Trump‘s administration moves forward with major visa rule changes. The new regulations will likely raise expenses and add to the uncertainty for F-1 visa students. The changes will affect how long students can remain and how they plan their studies. Indian students could feel a major impact, as they constitute the largest group of international students in the US.
The biggest changes 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, up to a maximum of four years.
The rule will also shorten the grace period after studies or training from 60 days to 30 days. The maximum period of stay will be 24 months for students in English language programmes.
The new system will also impact exchange visitors holding J visas and representatives of foreign media. Students will need to apply for extensions instead of staying in the US while they continue their approved studies.
Extensions will need USCIS approval, documents, and biometric information. If students do not extend their stay on time, they may encounter unlawful presence problems.
The rule will also restrict academic changes for international students. In the first year, undergraduate F-1 students are not allowed to change their major or study program or change their education level except in certain situations.
Graduate students will face stricter rules and generally cannot change their program or field of study. They will also have restrictions during transfer to other schools.
DHS has developed transition arrangements for students who are currently in the United States under the current system. Students already in the U.S. under the current system may continue under the existing “duration of status” framework for up to four additional years or until they complete their current academic program, whichever comes first.
The new fixed-period system is expected to take effect on Sept 17. The Open Doors Report shows that 3.6 lakh Indian students were enrolled in the U.S. in 2024-25.
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