US Student Visa New Rules Affecting Indian Students
There have been so many changes in the US visa process from September 2, 2025 for international students. The dropbox facility has been removed for a wide range of visa categories in the US, including the H-1B work visa, F-1 student visa, and the B-1/B-2 tourist/business visas. Simultaneously, students who wanted the study visa for USA also saw changes in extensions, and stay duration.
This Story also Contains
- Which are the rules that changed?
- Who is affected by the changed visa rules in the USA?
- What are the impacts of these changes on Indian students?
- What should Indian Students do?
Longer wait times, possible work authorization gaps, and increased documentary scrutiny for students from India and other countries are all consequences of the Department of Homeland Security's decision to stop automatically extending some Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), which affected OPT/STEM OPT and some dependent work permits. Additionally, more comprehensive proposed regulations aim to limit the length of time that certain foreign students and researchers may remain. In this article, we will explore how the new US visa rules affect international students.
Read More: USA F1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers
Which are the rules that changed?
1) Interview-waiver rules — fewer applicants qualify for drop-box
The interview-waiver policy of the U.S. The Department of State was revised in 2025.As of September–October 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants (including many F, M, and J categories) will normally have to appear in person for a consular interview; the categories for exceptions and waivers were broadened. Anticipate longer appointment wait times and the possibility of having to travel to a different city for interviews.
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2) End of automatic EAD extensions (effective Oct 30, 2025)
A rule was released by DHS that stopped some Employment Authorisation Documents from automatically extending. This impacts certain dependent categories and some F-1 OPT/STEM OPT students, who previously depended on automatic extensions while renewal applications were pending. In practice, employers must confirm active authorisation; students whose EADs expire must cease employment if the renewal is denied.
3) Proposed limits on duration of stay for some visa holders
The administration under Trump introduced regulatory changes that restricted the duration of stay for foreign students, scholars, etc in the US. These indicate a more strict enforcement environment, though they are still in the early stages of development.
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Who is affected by the changed visa rules in the USA?
These are the people most affected by the new visa changes in the US.
F-1 students (current & incoming)
Students applying from India
OPT/STEM OPT participants
H-4 / other dependent EAD holders and asylum applicants
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What are the impacts of these changes on Indian students?
Here are the impacts of these changes on Indian students:
More interviews and longer wait times for visas. Many applicants who earlier used the dropbox facility now have to wait and give face-to-face interviews, causing delays and making enrolment more difficult for future semesters.
Income risk and disruptions to work. OPT/STEM OPT students may experience periods between permit expiration and renewal since automatic EAD extensions have ended; legally, they are not permitted to work during those times. It could affect paid internships, co-ops, and living expenses.
stricter screening at ports of entry and consulates. More detailed questions, requests for supporting documentation (such as bank statements, enrolment proof, or connections to India), and occasional delays in administrative processing are to be expected.
Downward pressure on job pipelines and enrolment. In light of policy uncertainty and processing barriers, media and data indicate a decline in interest in and enrolment from India among international students.
What should Indian Students do?
These are the steps that you must take.
Step 1: Check the expiry of your documents
Step 2: Be ready with the contingency plan, in case EAD is about to expire
Step 3: Book the interview slots with the consulars as early as possible
Step 4: Carry all the required documents along with you when you go for the face-to-face interview
Step 5: Stay in touch with the international student office of your university and plan a budget accordingly
Step 6: Keep your SEVIS status active
Step 7: Monitor official sources daily
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is happening to Indian students in the USA?
A:
Indian students in the USA are facing challenges including more stringent and delayed visa processes, higher costs, and uncertainty around post-study work opportunities, leading many to reconsider or shift their plans to other countries like the UK, Germany, and Ireland.
Q: Are Indian students getting visas for the USA?
A:
Yes, U.S. student visa appointments are open for Indian applicants, but the process is competitive due to high demand and increased screening.
Q: What are the new rules for student visas in the USA?
A:
New U.S. student visa rules include a fixed four-year maximum stay for F-1 visas, replacing the previous "duration of status," and require extensions for longer programs.
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