Planning To Study In The US? Here's How The New Visa Rules Could Affect You

For decades, international students heading to the United States could focus on one thing once they arrived: completing their degree. As long as they maintained their student status, the country's immigration system allowed them to remain in the US for the duration of their academic programme. That long-standing framework is about to change.

From September 15, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will replace the "Duration of Status" (D/S) model with fixed admission periods for F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas and I visas issued to foreign media representatives. The move is part of a wider overhaul of US immigration rules that also includes tighter scrutiny for some green card applicants, higher processing fees for employment visas and a proposal to increase H-1B wage requirements.

For Indian students, who now form the largest international student community in the United States, the changes are particularly significant. More than 3.6 lakh Indians were enrolled at American universities during the 2024-25 academic year, many pursuing master's, doctoral, and STEM programmes that often extend beyond four years. With fresh paperwork, shorter deadlines and greater federal oversight coming into effect, students planning to study in the US may need to prepare well before departure.

Fixed Stay Period

The biggest shift is the end of the decades-old D/S system. Earlier, international students could legally remain in the US for as long as they continued their academic programme and maintained valid F-1 status. If their course required additional time, universities could extend their stay through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

That flexibility is now being replaced with a fixed admission period. Under the new rule, students will be granted permission to stay only for the length of their programme, subject to a maximum initial period of four years. Those whose courses continue beyond that limit will have to apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay.

The change does not apply only to future applicants. Students already studying in the US under the previous D/S system will automatically transition to the new framework once the rule takes effect, with their authorised stay also becoming subject to the four-year cap.

The post-study grace period has also been shortened. Instead of the earlier 60 days, F-1 students will now have 30 days after completing their programme to leave the country, transfer to another institution, change visa status or complete the necessary steps related to Optional Practical Training (OPT), where applicable.

Greater Oversight

The revised framework also introduces tighter government supervision over several aspects of student life. Requests to extend academic programmes, switch majors or pursue another degree are expected to face greater scrutiny than before, shifting more authority from universities to federal immigration agencies.

Students applying for an extension beyond four years will be required to submit applications to USCIS and undergo biometric verification, background checks and additional review. While the DHS says these measures are intended to strengthen immigration oversight and prevent misuse of student visas, many higher education groups have expressed concern that the added administrative process could create uncertainty for students enrolled in longer research-based programmes such as PhDs and medical degrees.

Several American universities have reportedly advised international students currently outside the country to return before September 15 to avoid potential complications during the transition to the new admission system.

The changes also raise questions around Optional Practical Training. The OPT programme itself remains unchanged, allowing eligible students to continue applying for the standard 12-month work authorisation and the 24-month STEM extension. However, immigration experts have pointed out that students will now need to ensure their underlying F-1 admission remains valid throughout the OPT period, particularly if their fixed admission expires while they are working.

Broader Changes

The student visa overhaul comes alongside several other immigration measures introduced this year.

From March 1, 2026, USCIS increased premium processing fees across several immigration categories to account for inflation. For H-1B petitions, the expedited processing fee has risen from USD 2,805 to USD 2,965, increasing costs for both employers and foreign professionals seeking faster decisions.

The US administration has also proposed raising minimum wage requirements for H-1B workers by nearly 30 per cent across multiple wage levels. If implemented, the higher salary thresholds could make hiring foreign professionals more expensive for employers, potentially influencing sponsorship decisions and recruitment strategies.

Meanwhile, green card applicants may also encounter stricter assessments under the revived "public charge" policy. Rather than relying on a fixed list of disqualifying public benefits, immigration officers are expected to evaluate applicants individually, considering their financial circumstances and overall likelihood of becoming dependent on government assistance.

Taken together, these changes represent one of the most notable shifts in the US immigration landscape in recent years. For Indian students and professionals considering higher education or employment in America, they underscore the importance of planning ahead, understanding evolving visa requirements and factoring additional timelines and costs into long-term decisions.

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