A major change to the United States student visa system could soon alter how international students, including thousands from India, plan their education and careers. The White House has cleared a proposed regulation from the Department of Homeland Security that would replace the long-standing “Duration of Status” system with fixed periods of authorised stay, effectively putting an expiry date on student visas.
If implemented, the new rule would mean many foreign students could no longer stay in the US for the full duration of their academic programme automatically. Instead, they may need to apply for formal extensions to continue studying beyond a set period, raising concerns over delays, paperwork and legal uncertainty.
What is changing in the US student visa system?
Under the current “Duration of Status” framework, students on F-1 visas, along with J-1 exchange visitors and certain other visa holders, can remain in the United States as long as they stay enrolled in an approved academic programme and continue meeting visa conditions.
This system has given students flexibility to extend studies, switch programmes, move between universities and complete post-study work opportunities such as Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT without needing a new admission period.
According to Bloomberg, the proposed regulation would end this arrangement and replace it with a fixed authorised stay, reportedly capped at four years for most students.
The rule has already completed review by the White House Office of Management and Budget, one of the final procedural steps before formal publication and implementation.
Why Indian students could be hit harder
The proposed change carries particular significance for Indian students, who now form the largest international student community in the US.
According to the Institute of International Education Open Doors 2024 report, more than 3,31,000 Indian students were enrolled in US higher education during the 2023-24 academic year, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all international students in the country.
A large number of Indian students pursue doctoral degrees, research-intensive master’s programmes and professional courses that often extend beyond four years. Under the proposed framework, these students may need approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to remain in the country legally if their studies exceed the fixed admission period.
That process could involve additional documentation, biometric checks and increased scrutiny.
Concerns over uncertainty and delays
Major education organisations have warned that the change could create significant uncertainty.
The Association of American Universities, the American Council on Education and NAFSA have said fixed stay periods could create “a high degree of uncertainty” for students whose academic timelines often change because of research, thesis work or programme transitions.
The groups have also warned that administrative burdens on universities could increase substantially.
Students relying on OPT could face added complications if extension approvals are delayed while transitioning from academics to employment.
What happens if a visa expires?
One of the biggest concerns is what happens if a student fails to secure an extension before their authorised stay ends.
Under the proposed framework, students may begin accruing unlawful presence immediately after their permitted stay expires. According to immigration law firm Fragomen, that could expose students to immigration penalties and restrictions on future travel to the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security had first pushed this proposal during President Donald Trump’s first term, but it was never implemented. The plan was revived in 2025 and has now moved significantly closer to becoming policy.
For now, the existing rules remain unchanged. International students can continue to stay in the United States under the current duration-of-status system until the final regulation is officially published and takes effect.
For More News Updates Follow Us On www.tconews.in
