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Strict new visa rules likely to hit Indian students with US study plans
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule eliminating traditional duration of status (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 student visas. Effective Sept. 15, 2026
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Ishani Duttagupta - Mon, 10, Aug 2026
- 02:21 EDT
- 32
Representative image / IANS
According to a recent analysis by the U.S.-based Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), the U.S. mission in India issued 22,149 F-1 student visas between May and August 2025, a 62% decline from the 58,694 visas issued during the same period in 2024. While official numbers for 2026 are not yet available, a new rule ending "duration of status" for student visa holders is raising major concerns and is expected to drive numbers down further.
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On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule eliminating traditional duration of status (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 student visas. Effective Sept. 15, 2026, students entering the U.S. will receive a fixed admission period tied strictly to their program length, capped at a maximum of four years (or 24 months for English language programs). Students requiring additional time must now file a formal extension of stay (EOS) application with USCIS, replacing the former streamlined extension process managed directly by university international offices.
Mumbai- and Florida-based immigration lawyer Poorvi Chothani advises Indian students to carefully reevaluate their goals of studying in the U.S. in view of the new policy. "If their primary aim is to gain knowledge, the U.S. remains a top destination with world-class universities," Chothani noted. "However, if the goal includes gaining post-graduation work experience through optional practical training (OPT), the tight 30-day permitted unemployment window may make securing a job and onboarding exceptionally difficult."
Chothani feels that the new restrictions will have a devastating impact on Indian students, especially at a bachelor's level of education, where they may not be sure of a future career path. "In such cases, I recommend they complete their bachelor's degree in India or any other country and go to the U.S. for their master's education when they are clear about their career goals," Chothani advised.
With several recent reports of Indians on temporary work visas and students on OPT status being detained at U.S. airports and pulled aside for secondary inspections during domestic flights, Chothani also advises against air travel. "If foreign nationals, including Indians, are on work visas, student visas or other temporary status in the U.S. and if they have filed for an immigration benefit that is still pending adjudication, I advise them not to travel. Especially if they have any record of a DUI, petty theft, criminal charge, etc. If it is urgent and imperative, they should drive to their destination, thereby avoiding being detained at an airport," she says.
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