Indian diaspora group urges US to halt 4-year student visa cap, warns of impact on researchers

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (Fiids) has urged the US Congress and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reconsider a new policy that places a four-year limit on F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor visas.

The advocacy group has called for an immediate pause on the rule, arguing that the change could disrupt the academic journeys of thousands of international students, including a large number of Indians pursuing higher education in the United States.

The new regulation, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on July 17 will come into effect on September 15 and replaces the earlier “Duration of Status” system.

New rule replaces ‘Duration of Status’ framework

Under the previous system, international students could remain in the US as long as they maintained valid academic status and met university requirements.

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The new rule introduces a fixed four-year limit, requiring students who need more time to complete their programmes to apply for extensions through federal authorities.

Fiids said the change does not account for the realities of advanced education, particularly in research-heavy fields where degrees often take longer than four years.

The group cited data showing that bachelor’s degrees typically take around 52 months to complete, while PhD programmes can take nearly 5.7 years.

Fiids warns of impact on US innovation

Fiids said the policy could particularly affect Indian students, who make up one of the largest international student communities in the US.

The group warned that forcing students to seek extensions midway through their academic programmes could create uncertainty for researchers, universities and technology companies.

The advocacy group also raised concerns over the additional burden the new system could place on USCIS.

Under the new process, students would have to apply directly to USCIS for extensions, involving additional checks such as biometric verification, fraud screening and background reviews.

Fiids pointed out that USCIS is already handling a backlog of more than 11 million cases, with some applications facing lengthy delays.

The group said the added administrative hurdles could discourage international students from choosing American universities.

Economic impact of declining international enrollment

Fiids highlighted the financial importance of international students to the US education system.

International students contribute billions of dollars annually to the American economy through tuition fees, living expenses and related spending.

The group also pointed to a decline in new international student enrolments, warning that further restrictions could hurt universities and research institutions that depend on global talent.

In its appeal, Fiids suggested several changes to reduce the impact of the policy.

The group called for automatic extensions for graduate Stem programmes that traditionally exceed four years, protection for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Stem OPT periods from being counted within the four-year limit, and restoration of the post-graduation grace period from 30 days back to 60 days.

DHS defends visa rule

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has defended the new policy, saying it is aimed at preventing visa misuse and strengthening national security.

However, Fiids argued that a blanket restriction could affect genuine students and researchers who contribute to US universities, startups and innovation programmes.

The group is urging lawmakers and immigration authorities to introduce exemptions before the rule takes effect in September.