The Trump administration has proposed new visa rules that could restrict the stay of international students in the US to a maximum of four years. While the policy is expected to affect all foreign students, early analysis indicates that Indian students may be disproportionately impacted when compared to their Chinese counterparts.Currently, international students in the US are allowed to stay for the “duration of status,” which is flexible and typically extends as long as the student maintains their enrolment. The new proposal would introduce fixed-term visas, generally capped at four years, with provisions for extension requiring additional approval. This change could significantly affect students’ ability to complete longer programmes or seek post-study employment.Indian students depend heavily on post-study work visasIndian students, who often pursue self-funded master’s programmes in the US, typically depend on post-study work opportunities such as OPT and the H-1B visa. OPT, or Optional Practical Training, permits international students to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation, with STEM graduates receiving an additional 24-month extension. Many Indian students transition from OPT to an H-1B visa through employer sponsorship.The proposed rule change does not explicitly address changes to OPT, but the introduction of a four-year cap could limit opportunities for students who rely on this pathway. For Indian students, whose return on investment often hinges on gaining work experience in the US after graduation, this move introduces uncertainty into their long-term academic and career plans.Chinese students less dependent on OPT and H-1BIn contrast, Chinese students, who also make up a large portion of the international student population in the US, often return home after completing their studies or pursue funded PhD and STEM research programmes. These are generally supported by assistantships that cover tuition and living expenses. As a result, their reliance on OPT or H-1B visas is lower.At the undergraduate level, many Chinese students attend top-ranked programmes, which influence their prospects in tier-1 cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen after returning home. These institutional pathways and family financial support reduce the immediate impact of visa restrictions.Experts observe shift in study preferencesIn recent months, study abroad advisors have reported an increasing number of Indian students choosing destinations such as Germany, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand over the US. This trend is more pronounced among those pursuing non-STEM courses, where the benefits of US education are closely tied to post-study employment.Although STEM programmes in the US remain attractive to Indian students, changes to visa policy may influence future intake. The lack of clarity around the status of OPT under the proposed rule and delays in visa interview slots have already begun affecting upcoming admissions cycles.Policy aims to reduce visa overstaysThe proposed visa rule change aims to reduce the incidence of student visa overstays by eliminating the current flexible model. Under the new system, students would be required to apply for an extension if they need to stay beyond the four-year period. This process could add administrative complexity and affect timelines for academic completion, internships, or job placements.In addition to students, the proposed changes are expected to impact exchange workers and foreign journalists under other visa categories. The tightening of visa pathways, particularly those frequently used by Indian students, is part of a broader immigration policy shift under the Trump administration.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
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