In response to revised U.S. visa regulations that could impact Indian students and academic visitors, India has initiated communication with American authorities to address the arising concerns. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a media briefing on Friday, assured that New Delhi is keeping a vigilant eye on the developments and will persistently engage with Washington to resolve any difficulties faced by Indian citizens.
The alterations introduced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security bring more stringent residency rules for holders of F, J, and I category visas. These visas are typically held by international students, exchange visitors, and media professionals. Under the new regulations, non-immigrant visa holders in these categories will now experience fixed periods of stay, differing from the previous system that allowed extended stays without continuous federal oversight.
One significant change affects the grace period for F visa holders, who will now have only 30 days instead of the previous 60 to either leave the country, transfer to another institution, or modify their immigration status after completing their studies. This adjustment is part of the broader regulatory shift aimed at tightening the control and oversight of non-immigrant stays in the United States.
Indian officials have emphasized that while visa and immigration policies are matters of national sovereignty for each country, they remain committed to supporting their citizens abroad. The commitment includes mitigating any adverse effects resulting from these updated U.S. immigration rules. By actively engaging with U.S. counterparts, India aims to ensure that the well-being of its citizens is prioritized and any arising challenges are promptly addressed.