In a move that could reshape the dreams of thousands of Indian students, the Trump administration is reviving a controversial plan to overhaul the U.S. student visa system. The proposed rule, which has cleared White House review and is set to be published in the Federal Register, seeks to replace the flexible “duration of status” policy for F-1 and J-1 visas with rigid, fixed-term limits—likely spanning two to four years. For the over 420,000 Indian students currently enrolled in U.S. universities, this shift could mean navigating a bureaucratic maze mid-degree, threatening disruptions to their academic journeys and casting a shadow over the U.S.’s allure as a global education hub. Here’s the full story, unraveling the implications for Indian students and the stakes for America’s higher education landscape.

A Seismic Shift in Visa Policy

Under the current “duration of status” system, international students holding F-1 visas can remain in the U.S. as long as they are enrolled in their academic programs, whether pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or research-intensive course. This flexibility has been a cornerstone of the U.S.’s appeal, allowing students to focus on their studies without the looming threat of visa expirations. Exchange visitors on J-1 visas, including scholars, interns, and trainees, enjoy similar leniency. But the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now proposing a dramatic change: capping visa durations at a fixed period, regardless of program length. For many, this could mean applying for extensions through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mid-semester, a process fraught with delays, costs, and uncertainty.

The proposal, titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” echoes a 2020 Trump-era plan that was shelved in 2021 after fierce backlash from universities and advocacy groups. Its revival signals a renewed push for stricter immigration controls, with Indian students—the largest international cohort in U.S. universities—standing to face the brunt of the impact.

Why Indian Students Are on Edge

Indian students have long been the backbone of international enrollment in the U.S., with over 420,000 enrolled in 2024, according to multiple reports. From STEM-focused master’s programs to rigorous PhDs and cutting-edge research, Indian students contribute not only academic excellence but also significant financial support to U.S. institutions, often paying full tuition. Many pursue multi-year programs that extend beyond the proposed two- or four-year visa caps, particularly in fields like engineering, computer science, and biotechnology, where delays due to research or coursework are common.

The new rule could force students to renew their visas mid-program, a process that involves hefty fees—potentially including a $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” and a $24 Form I-94 charge introduced in 2025—along with lengthy processing times. Experts warn that delays in visa approvals could leave students in legal limbo, risking their ability to complete degrees or participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a critical post-study work opportunity for many. “Imagine having to freeze your degree or apply for an extension mid-semester—that’s the kind of uncertainty now on the table,” an analyst told BusinessToday. For PhD candidates or those in long-term research, the stakes are even higher, as visa expirations could derail years of work.

Mamta Shekhawat, founder of study abroad platform Gradding.com, highlighted the strain: “Repeated immigration filings could divert valuable time and resources from studies. It may involve securing representation or repeated interactions with immigration authorities, potentially impacting students’ ability to complete their studies in the U.S.” The prospect of mid-program renewals also raises fears of “unlawful presence” penalties, which could jeopardize future visa applications or even lead to deportation if extensions are delayed or denied.

A Blow to U.S. Higher Education’s Global Appeal

The U.S. has long been a magnet for global talent, with Indian students flocking to institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Caltech for their world-class programs. But the proposed visa changes could dim this shine. Higher education advocates argue that fixed-term visas introduce unnecessary barriers, making the U.S. less competitive compared to countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, which offer more predictable visa policies tied to program completion. “The prospect of forced, mid-programme visa renewals in the US may drive highly qualified applicants elsewhere,” Shekhawat noted.

In 2020, when a similar proposal surfaced, universities warned it would “cause needless disruption to academic programs.” The overstay rate for F-1 and J-1 visas was just 3.6% in 2023, suggesting the policy may be addressing an overstated problem. Yet, the DHS claims the change is necessary to curb visa overstays and enhance oversight. Critics, however, see it as part of a broader immigration crackdown that could cost U.S. universities billions in revenue. NAFSA, an association of international educators, projects a potential 30–40% drop in international student enrollment this fall, translating to a $7 billion economic hit, as students opt for more welcoming destinations.

What’s Next: Public Comment and Preparation

The DHS submitted the draft rule to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on June 27, 2025, and it cleared review on August 7. Once published in the Federal Register, a 30–60 day public comment period will allow universities, students, and advocacy groups to voice concerns. This phase is critical, as feedback could prompt revisions before the rule is finalized. However, there’s a chance the DHS could issue it as an interim final rule, bypassing public input and taking effect immediately—a move that would leave students and institutions scrambling.

For Indian students, preparation is key. Experts recommend:

• Monitoring Official Channels: Stay updated via U.S. consulate websites, university communications, and the Federal Register for the latest on the proposal.
• Budgeting for Renewals: Factor in costs for visa extensions, including application fees and potential legal assistance.
• Consulting Advisors: Reach out to academic advisors or Designated School Officials (DSOs) to adjust program timelines or explore deferral options.
• Joining Advocacy Efforts: Participate in student associations or public comment periods to influence the final rule.

A Fork in the Road for Indian Students

The proposed visa changes come at a time when Indian students already face challenges, from a 38% drop in F-1 visa issuances in 2024 to heightened scrutiny, including mandatory social media checks and rejection rates as high as 50% for applicants with clean profiles. Visa processing delays, averaging 250 days despite improvements, add to the uncertainty, with appointment slots often vanishing within minutes. Meanwhile, alternatives like Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit or the UK’s Graduate Route visa are gaining traction, offering more stable paths to study and work.

For many Indian students, the U.S. remains a “big beautiful dream,” as one report put it, but the path to achieving it is growing thornier. The revival of fixed-term visas signals a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy, one that could reshape the aspirations of a generation of scholars. As the public comment period looms, Indian students and their families must brace for a future where academic ambition meets bureaucratic reality. Will the U.S. remain the land of opportunity for India’s brightest minds, or will this policy pivot push talent elsewhere? Only time—and the voices of students—will tell.

Sources: India Today, Hindustan Times, BusinessToday, Business Standard, Times of India, Newsweek, The Economic Times, Financial Express