New Delhi: It can be a big problem for international students studying in America. US Department of Homeland Security "Duration of status" A new rule has been finalized with a fixed limit of 4 years for ending the system. Its biggest impact will be on more than 3.3 lakh Indian students.
What is the new rule?
According to Bloomberg report, under the new rule, students with F-1 visa will now generally be allowed to stay in America for only 4 years. If one’s degree or research program is longer than 4 years, one must obtain extension approval from DHS before the end of the stipulated period. This rule will also apply to foreign journalists with J-1 exchange visitors and I visas.
Currently, this rule will undergo congressional review before being implemented. The Trump administration says its purpose is to improve oversight of the visa system and strengthen national security. But universities say this will increase uncertainty for thousands of students.
‘Duration of Status’ system ended!
F-1 students for the past several decades "Duration of status" Was kept under. There was no fixed expiry date in it. As long as the student was studying full-time and followed the rules, he could stay in the US. This will not happen now. As soon as 4 years are completed, the student will have to apply to DHS to get his/her status increased. If an extension is not granted, it may immediately become illegal.
How much impact on Indian students?
According to the ‘Open Doors 2024’ report, more than 3,31,000 Indian students were studying in America in 2023-24. These are about 30% of the total international students. The problem is that many Indian students do courses longer than 4 years like PhD, Medical, Engineering Research. Under the new rule, they will have to apply for extension midway. Delay in processing or mistake in paperwork can also put their status at risk for some time.
What if I don’t get an extension?
This is the biggest concern. Earlier the status remained intact, now if extension is not given within 4 years then the student will be considered illegal. DHS has said this change is necessary for surveillance. Last year also the agency "Student Criminal Alien Initiative" Under this, the status of thousands of students was cancelled. At present this rule will not be implemented immediately. Its date will be decided only after the approval of Congress. Till then the old system will continue.
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