The decision is set to impact more than 1.2 million international students in the United States, including some 3.3 lakh Indians.
The United States has announced stricter Green Card rules requiring most temporary visa holders to apply for permanent residency from their home country.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday announced stricter visa rules for students, exchange visitors and journalists, replacing the “duration of status” system with a fixed four-year period.
The decision is set to impact more than 1.2 million international students in the United States, including some 3.3 lakh Indians.
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According to the Homeland Security, the “duration of status” was a loophole that allegedly allowed foreign students, exchange visitors, and media representatives to remain in the United States indefinitely without routine government oversight.
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However, the new regulation establishes a fixed period of admission for nonimmigrant visa holders in F, J, and I classifications.
“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Mullin said that the implemention of the new rule will allow the United States to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within its borders.
“This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home,” the DHS Secretary added.
What are the new US visa regulations?
Under the new regulation, the Donald Trump administration has fixed the US stay of nonimmigrant students (F visas) and exchange visitors (J visas) to the length of their specific program, not to exceed a maximum period of four years.
Visa holders requiring additional time to complete their academic program will have to formally apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) directly through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Visa extension applications will be considered after thorough biometric vetting, background checks, and fraud screenings.
Moreover, the new regulation will also reduce the time allowed for F-1 students to prepare for departure, transfer schools, or change status following graduation from 60 days to 30 days.
Program change restrictions will also be introduced, and there will be strict limitations on academic changes.
According to the DHS, the final rule will be published in the Federal Register in the next few days and will go into effect 60 days after publication.
Current nonimmigrant visa holders residing in the United States under the previous “duration of status” framework will transition to the new system automatically, with their authorized stay capped at a maximum of four years from the effective date of the new rule.
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