The Indian government is actively engaging with U.S. officials to tackle issues stemming from recent amendments to American visa rules that may impact Indian students and academic exchange participants. During a press briefing on Friday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, highlighted that New Delhi is vigilantly observing the developments and remains committed to addressing any challenges faced by Indian nationals with U.S. counterparts.
The revised regulations, instituted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, introduce more stringent residency conditions for holders of F, J, and I visas. These categories encompass international students, exchange visitors, and media professionals. The changes signify a shift from the previous policy that permitted extended stays in the U.S. without ongoing federal supervision, to a system that enforces fixed durations of stay.
A significant alteration under the new rules is the reduction of the grace period for F visa holders following the completion of their academic programs. Previously, students had 60 days to either depart the U.S., transfer to another educational institution, or adjust their immigration status. The updated guidelines shorten this timeframe to 30 days.
Indian authorities have underscored that while visa and immigration regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the respective sovereign nations, they remain dedicated to assisting Indian citizens overseas. The aim is to alleviate any complications that may arise due to the U.S.’s updated visa policies.