The Indian government is actively engaging with US authorities regarding recent changes to American visa regulations that may impact Indian students and academic visitors. These adjustments, made by the US Department of Homeland Security, entail stricter residency requirements for holders of specific non-immigrant visas, including those for international students, exchange visitors, and media professionals.
At a media briefing on Friday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, confirmed that New Delhi is closely observing the developments. He assured that India will persist in addressing any issues arising from these changes with Washington whenever Indian citizens encounter difficulties.
The revised visa rules introduce fixed periods of stay for F, J, and I category visa holders, replacing the previous system that permitted extended stays without constant federal oversight. This shift is expected to have significant implications for Indian nationals studying or participating in exchange programs in the United States.
Additionally, the updated regulations shorten the grace period for F visa holders who have completed their studies. Instead of the previous 60 days, these students now have only 30 days to either leave the country, transfer to a different institution, or change their immigration status.
While Indian officials acknowledge that visa and immigration policies are inherently matters of national sovereignty, they reaffirm their dedication to assisting Indian citizens. The government aims to mitigate any challenges faced by its nationals due to the new US visa rules.