The US has proposed new rules for student visas for foreign students. Now the visa will be valid for only 4 years. Long-duration courses, such as PhD and medical studies, will be most affected.
US Student Visa Rule: The United States has long been a major hub for higher education for students from around the world. Its universities and colleges are a center of attraction for foreign students. However, due to the new policy of the American administration, studying in America will no longer be as easy a process for foreigners as it used to be.
The Trump administration has proposed new rules regarding Student Visas. This rule could affect the duration of students' studies and impact the plans of millions of young people who dream of studying in America.
New Proposal: Limited Study Period for F-1 Visa Holders
The Trump administration has put forward a new proposal for foreign students studying in the United States, i.e., F-1 visa holders. Under this, foreign students will now be able to study in the US for only four years. If a student's course is longer than four years, they will have to obtain a new student visa. If the student does not obtain a new visa, they will have to leave the United States.
This rule is currently only a Proposed Rule. This means that it has not been implemented immediately. The US administration has made it public and people have been given the opportunity to provide suggestions. The public has been given 30 days to send their objections or suggestions on it.
How Student Visas Previously Worked in the US
Before the new rules are implemented, foreign students in the US could stay in the US completely on a student visa during the duration of their course. This was called Duration of Status. This meant that as long as the student was studying full-time at a college or university, they could stay in the United States.
This rule was implemented in 1978. Under this rule, students could stay in the US until they completed their studies. Many students also did internships or research after this, but the new proposed rule has limited this facility.
Main Objective of the New Rule
The objective of the new rule is said to be to improve the American education system and control the stay period of students. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that foreign students and exchange visitors can now come to the US for studies, but only for four years.
According to the new rule, a student visa will only be considered valid for four years. If a student's course is longer than four years, they will have to obtain a new visa. If the student does not obtain a new visa, they will have to leave the United States.
Who Will Be Most Affected
This rule may have the greatest impact on students whose studies are longer than four years. These include PhD, research, medical, and some specialization courses. Such students will have to obtain a new visa after every four years. This change may affect the number of international students interested in studying in the US. Many students may now abandon the option of going to the US and turn to other countries such as Canada, Australia or the UK.
Reactions of Students and Universities
The dream of education in America is a great opportunity for foreign students. The new proposed rules have increased concern among students. Students will now be more careful in planning their courses. University and college administrations may also be affected by this change. A decrease in the number of foreign students may affect tuition fees, research projects, and campus diversity.
What is the Suggestion Process?
The US administration has proposed taking public opinion on the new rule. The public has been given 30 days to send their suggestions and objections to the DHS. This process ensures that the opinions of various stakeholders are heard before the rule is implemented.
