Archive · 19 Jul 2026
US Tightens Visa Rules for Students
The United States has changed its visa rules for students, exchange visitors, and journalists.
Before, these visas could last as long as the program or job in the US.
Now, they will only last up to four years.
India is worried about how this will affect Indian students and travelers.
The Indian government says it will talk to the US to help make things easier for its people.
The new rules will start in 60 days, but Congress still needs to review them.
This change means students will have less time to find a new school or leave the country after they graduate.
The new rules also make it more expensive and harder for students to stay in the US.
The US has implemented new visa rules limiting F, J, and I visas to a maximum of four years.
India has raised concerns and will engage with US authorities to minimize difficulties for Indian students and travelers.
The new rules will come into effect 60 days from publication in the federal register, subject to Congressional review.
The post-graduation departure time for F visa holders has been reduced from 60 to 30 days.
The changes aim to enhance oversight and control over nonimmigrant visa holders, while India emphasizes supporting genuine travelers and students.
- Who
- Indian students, exchange visitors, and journalists; US Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- What
- The US has implemented new visa rules limiting the duration of F, J, and I visas to four years, and India has raised concerns about the impact on its citizens.
- When
- The new rules will come into effect 60 days from publication in the federal register, subject to Congressional review.
- Where
- United States and India
- Why
- The US aims to enhance oversight and control over nonimmigrant visa holders, while India seeks to minimize difficulties faced by its students and travelers.
US Government
Indian Government
Visa Duration
US Government
The US government has implemented new rules to limit the duration of student (F), exchange visitor (J), and journalist (I) visas to a maximum of four years, aiming to enhance oversight and control over nonimmigrant visa holders.
Indian Government
India has expressed concerns about the new visa rules, stating that it will engage with US authorities to minimize difficulties faced by Indian students and travelers, emphasizing the importance of supporting genuine travelers and students.
- Visa Categories Affected
- F (students), J (exchange visitors), I (journalists)
- Current Visa Duration
- Duration of program or employment in the US
- New Visa Duration
- Maximum of four years
- Effective Date
- 60 days from publication in the federal register, subject to Congressional review
- Impacted Groups
- Indian students and exchange visitors
- Post-Graduation Departure Time
- Reduced from 60 to 30 days
- Additional Costs
- USD 300 to USD 500 in filing fees, plus USD 1,900 in premium processing
Sources
India raises with US issues of students, travellers: MEA on new visa rule
India raises concerns with US over new visa rules likely to impact students, exchange visitors
US visa rule changes: MEA spokesperson Jaiswal says India will try to ‘minimise difficulties’ for its people
India flags concerns as US formalises new visa rules set to affect F-1 students, exchange visitors
US student visa rules raise costs and tighten timelines for international students
New US Visa Rules: India Taking Up Issues With Washington To Minimise Difficulties, Says MEA
India To Raise Visa, Immigration Concerns With US As New Rules Tighten Stay Limits For Students, Professionals
