Indian students may face shorter visas, reduced internships under new US policy

The US government has introduced proposed changes to its student visa system that could significantly affect Indian students aiming to study at American universities. Experts warn the revisions may discourage long-term study plans in the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has invited public feedback on the draft titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period for Admission and Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.”

The plan, if implemented, would set strict limits on how long certain visa holders can remain in the country, strengthening oversight and reducing misuse.

“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the US virtually indefinitely, posing safety risks, costing untold amounts of taxpayer dollars, and disadvantaging US citizens,” a DHS spokesperson said.

Currently, foreign students on F-1 visas can remain in the US for an indefinite period under the “duration of status” rule, allowing them to stay without additional vetting.

Under the proposed system, visas would be valid only for the length of the academic program, with a maximum limit of four years.

“In turn, foreign students have taken advantage of US generosity and have become ‘forever’ students, perpetually enrolled in higher education courses to remain in the US. Under President Trump’s proposed rule, the federal government would set the authorized admission and extension periods for foreign students and exchange visitors up to the duration of the program they are participating in, not to exceed a four-year period,” the DHS document said.

Fuqan Qamar, former vice-chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, said Indian students typically consider the quality of education and potential income opportunities when planning studies abroad.

He warned that fixed-term visas could severely limit post-study work options, including internships and employment through the Optional Practical Training program.

“Indian students look at American universities for the quality of education, internships, and income opportunities during and after completion of the course. Some students use this route for permanent migration too,” Qamar said.

“If the US implements the proposed changes to students’ visa policy and tightens the H1B visa regime, Indian students will be forced to give up plans for higher studies in the US,” Qamar added.

He added that linking visas to the duration of courses could reduce access to OPT, which currently allows international graduates to work for a year or up to three years in STEM fields.

“The post-study internship and OPT will be greatly affected. The work culture and training in US industries are also major reasons for Indians to go to US universities. By limiting opportunities, the US industries will also struggle to get a qualified workforce,” he said.

Jessy Joseph, manager at Loyola Global Careers in Ireland, said the changes may compel students to reconsider their academic choices.

“Students enrolled in integrated master’s, research, or other long-term programs may face disruptions, and shorter visas and delays in obtaining extensions may affect OPT eligibility, making it harder to plan internships smoothly,” Joseph said.

“While the US remains a top destination, Indian students should prepare for higher costs, more paperwork, and stricter compliance requirements under the proposed rules. These developments may also encourage students to consider alternative destinations like Canada, Ireland, Australia, or EU countries, which currently offer more predictable post-study work options and stable visa regimes,” she added.

According to the Federal Register, over 1.6 million F-1 visa admissions were recorded in 2023, a steep increase from around 260,000 in 1980-81.

Experts note that current practices, such as enrolling in top-ranked universities to secure visas and then switching to less expensive institutions or pursuing multiple degrees without new visas, would be curtailed under the new regulations.