India is actively engaging with the United States to navigate concerns stemming from recent changes to U.S. visa regulations that might impact Indian students and academic visitors. During a media briefing on Friday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, highlighted New Delhi’s vigilance in monitoring the situation and affirmed its intention to consistently address issues with Washington whenever Indian nationals encounter challenges.
The revised regulations, instituted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, impose more stringent residency conditions on individuals holding F, J, and I category visas, which pertain to international students, exchange visitors, and media professionals. This shift introduces fixed stay periods for these non-immigrant visa holders, replacing the previous system that permitted extended stays in the United States without ongoing federal monitoring.
One significant alteration under the new framework is the reduction of the grace period for F visa holders after finishing their studies. Students are now required to depart from the country, transfer to another institution, or modify their immigration status within 30 days, a reduction from the earlier 60-day allowance.
Indian officials have reiterated that while visa and immigration policies fall under the jurisdiction of sovereign nations, they remain committed to supporting Indian citizens and mitigating any challenges posed by the updated U.S. regulations.