भारतीय छात्रों को US से झटका, F-1 वीजा पर सिर्फ चार साल रह सकेंगे विदेशी स्टूडेंट्स – usa f1 visa new rule four year limit dhs extension required ntcpvp
A big change is going to happen for millions of foreign students, especially Indian students, dreaming of studying in America. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made a new rule. Under this, the period of stay in America on F-1 student visa will be limited to a maximum of four years. After the implementation of this rule, the system of ‘Duration of Status’ which has been running for decades will end.
According to Bloomberg report, under the new rule on F-1 visa America Incoming students will normally be allowed to stay for only four years. If a student’s course or research continues for more than four years, he or she must obtain extension approval from DHS before the end of their valid period. Failure to do so may affect the legal status of the student.
This new rule is not limited to F-1 visa only. The fixed period will also apply to J-1 exchange visitor visas and I visas issued to foreign media representatives. However, this rule will undergo review by the US Congress before being implemented.
The Trump administration says that the purpose of this change is to strengthen the monitoring of the student visa system and to make the provisions related to national security more effective. At the same time, American universities and organizations related to the education sector have warned that this may create uncertainty for thousands of international students studying in educational programs lasting more than four years.
Until now, students coming to the US on F-1 visas were allowed to stay as long as they remained full-time students and followed all the conditions of the visa, rather than for a specific time limit. The new system will completely end this system.
The biggest impact of this decision can be on Indian students. According to the ‘Open Doors 2024’ report, more than 3.31 lakh Indian students were studying in America’s colleges and universities during the academic year 2023-24. They constitute about 30 percent of the total international students studying in America. A large section of Indian students enroll for PhD, research-based masters, medical training, engineering research and other professional courses, whose duration often exceeds four years. Now it will be mandatory for such students to take extension from DHS in time to continue their studies.
Experts say that if a student’s extension is not approved on time or his validity period expires due to administrative delay, lack of documents or other reasons, then he can immediately fall into the category of ‘unlawful presence’ (staying in America illegally). This may lead to serious legal problems in the future related to visa, employment and re-entry into America.
At present this rule will not be implemented immediately. The existing ‘Duration of Status’ system will remain in force until the Congressional review is completed and the effective date is announced.
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