India is actively engaging with U.S. authorities to address concerns stemming from new American visa regulations that could impact Indian students and academic visitors. At a media briefing held on Friday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that New Delhi is vigilantly observing the situation. He affirmed that the Indian government would consistently advocate for its citizens by addressing issues with Washington whenever difficulties arise.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has introduced changes that enforce stricter residency rules for holders of F, J, and I category visas. These categories encompass international students, exchange visitors, and media professionals. Under this revised policy, non-immigrant visa holders are now subjected to fixed durations of stay, replacing the previous system that allowed many to reside in the United States for prolonged periods without continuous federal oversight.
One significant alteration under the new regulations is the reduction of the grace period for F visa holders upon completing their studies. Students are now required to depart, transfer to another institution, or alter their immigration status within 30 days, a reduction from the former 60-day period.
Indian officials have underscored that visa and immigration policies fall under the purview of national sovereignty. Nevertheless, they emphasized their dedication to assisting Indian citizens and mitigating any challenges that may arise due to the updated rules.