US Visa Proposal May Limit Stay Duration For Foreign Students; Here’s How It Impacts Indians

International students in the United States are generally allowed to remain in the country for the duration of their academic programme, provided they maintain their student status and comply with visa requirements. That framework could see changes after a proposed immigration rule cleared a key stage in the US regulatory process.

The White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed its review of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal that would replace the existing visa stay framework with fixed-duration stays for certain visa holders in the United States, according to The Times of India.

Duration Of The Status System

Under the current Duration of Status (D/S) system, international students and other covered visa holders in the United States are generally allowed to remain in the country for as long as they continue to comply with the terms of their visa, including maintaining enrollment and meeting programme requirements, without a fixed end date of admission.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed replacing this framework with fixed admission periods for F, J and certain I visa holders.

What Could It Mean For Indian Students

Indian students could be among the most affected if the proposal is implemented, as they represent the largest international student community in the United States. There were 3,63,019 Indian students pursuing education in the US during the 2024-25 academic year, as reported by the Open Doors report.

Students whose programmes extend beyond the authorised period of stay may need to apply for an extension from the US immigration authorities.

The changes may introduce additional requirements for students who want to transfer institutions, change programmes, or change their academic path.

It also proposes reducing the time allowed after programme completion from 60 days to 30 days, which limits the window for departure, further study applications or status changes.

The Department of Homeland Security first proposed the changes in August 2025.

With the White House review now completed, the rule is a step closer to formalisation. It will be published in the Federal Register once finalised, after which it will move toward implementation.