The Indian government is actively engaging with U.S. authorities to address issues stemming from newly revised visa regulations that may impact Indian students and academic visitors. On Friday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, stated that New Delhi is carefully observing the situation and will continue to highlight concerns with Washington whenever Indian citizens encounter challenges.
The recent modifications by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security introduce more stringent residency requirements for holders of F, J, and I category visas. These categories include international students, exchange visitors, and media professionals. The new rules establish fixed periods of stay for non-immigrant visa holders, replacing the previous system that allowed many to remain in the U.S. for extended durations without ongoing federal supervision.
One significant change in the regulations is the reduction of the grace period for F visa holders after the conclusion of their studies. Instead of having 60 days, students now have 30 days to either leave the country, transition to another educational institution, or alter their immigration status.
Indian officials have underscored that while visa and immigration policies are matters of national sovereignty, they remain dedicated to assisting Indian citizens in navigating these changes and minimizing any adverse effects resulting from the updated rules.