New US Visa Rules: India Taking Up Issues With Washington To Minimise Difficulties, Says MEA
New US Visa Rules: India Taking Up Issues With Washington To Minimise Difficulties, Says MEA Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 18:05 IST India
New US Visa Rules: India Taking Up Issues With Washington To Minimise Difficulties, Says MEA Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 18:05 IST India raises concerns with US over new visa rules capping student and exchange stays at four years, as MEA says it will act to reduce difficulties for Indian travellers. Rapid Read MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said that the Indian government is taking up issues with the US over their new visa rules to minimise difficulties for Indian students. (Image source: X/ screenshot taken from video posted by ANI) India has said it is in touch with the United States after new visa rules tightened stay limits for foreign students, journalists and exchange visitors. The changes were introduced by the administration of Donald Trump and formalised by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The new rule sets a fixed stay period for ‘F-1’ student visas, ‘J-1’ exchange visas and ‘I’ visas for foreign media. Earlier, these visas allowed people to stay for the full duration of their course or work. Now, most will be capped at four years at a time. The rule is set to take effect after federal procedures, including a review by Congress.
The move has caused concern among Indian students and professionals. Many fear it could disrupt study plans and career paths in the US. Government In Touch, Says MEA Responding to the development, the Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely watching the situation. It also said it continues to raise concerns with Washington when needed. Speaking at a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, as quoted by ANI: “We’ve seen some reports regarding the visa rules. Visa rules and visa functions and immigration matters are sovereign functions of any state." He added, “but having said that, let me tell you that as and when there are issues of difficulties, which are brought to our attention, in regard to genuine travellers [and] students, among others, who seek support from the US, we take up those issues with the US side so as to minimise the difficulties that our people face," India sends the largest number of students to the US. Around 330,000 Indians were enrolled in American institutions in 2023-24. The US also hosts about 500,000 exchange visitors and 37,000 foreign media workers. What Changes Under The New System The new framework replaces the earlier “duration of status" system.
Under that, students could stay as long as they remained enrolled and followed visa rules. There was no fixed end date. Now, extensions will require approval from US immigration authorities. Earlier, universities had more control over such decisions. The process is expected to become stricter. The rules also reduce the grace period after graduation. Students earlier had 60 days to leave, transfer or change visa status. This has now been cut to 30 days. The US government has said the changes aim to prevent misuse and improve monitoring. India’s Ongoing Engagement India has raised visa-related concerns with the US before. In 2020, it opposed a rule that would have forced students to leave if classes went online during the pandemic. That decision was later withdrawn. More recently, India urged the US to process student visas “on merit" after stricter checks and interview pauses. New Delhi says it will continue to engage with Washington to protect the interests of Indian students and travellers. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will these new visa rules impact current Indian students in the US?
The BriefWire