Over 300,000 Indian students on F-1 visas in the United States face impact from a new Department of Homeland Security regulation. It requires automatic transition to a revised system with authorised stay limited to a maximum of four years. Experts note ongoing uncertainty, with clearer processes expected after the rules take effect in mid-September. The change may add complications for current students. Bangalore-based immigration advisor Sukanya Raman said the rule alters how international students keep lawful status. Students can no longer remain in F-1 status indefinitely while meeting academic requirements. They now face fixed admission periods and must apply for extensions to finish longer programmes. The Department of Homeland Security ended the duration of status provision. This previously allowed foreign students, exchange visitors and media representatives to extend stays without extra screening. F-1 and J visa holders could stay as long as they maintained status, marked as duration of status. Extensions could be requested through their institutions if more time was needed. Under the new rule, students receive fixed admission periods tied to their programme length, capped at four years initially. Longer programmes require formal petitions to US Citizenship and Immigration Services for extensions. The post-graduation grace period drops from 60 days to 30 days. Students in extended programmes such as PhDs or medical studies face added planning, costs and possible status gaps if extensions face delays. About 300,000 Indian students were in the US as of January 2025, mostly in graduate STEM programmes. In 2024, 90,129 Indians received F visas. The government states the change restores integrity to the immigration system, addresses visa misuse and improves security through regular checks. Current holders transition automatically, with stays capped at four years from the rule’s effective date. The rule also affects optional practical training. Students must keep valid F-1 status throughout OPT periods. OPT itself remains available, including the 12-month post-completion period and 24-month STEM extension. Details on interactions between fixed admission and OPT remain under review. Applications can still be filed from within the US while status is valid.
