In a significant policy shift, United States officials are contemplating major reforms to its student visa system. This comes as the country witnesses a notable decline in the number of international students choosing American universities, a trend partly attributed to tighter visa scrutiny and a stricter immigration environment.
End of the 'Intent to Leave' Era?
One of the most pivotal changes under review is the potential repeal of the long-standing 'Intent to Leave' rule. This regulation has been a cornerstone of the US student visa process for decades. During their visa interviews, applicants are currently required to prove to consular officers that they have every intention of returning to their home country after completing their academic program.
Students often demonstrate this non-immigrant intent by presenting evidence of strong ties to their homeland. This can include documents related to property ownership, close family relationships, or concrete career plans back in India. Failure to convincingly establish this intent has historically been a major ground for visa denial, even for academically qualified students.
The DIGNITY Act of 2025: A New Hope
A legislative effort is now underway to change this. The DIGNITY Act of 2025, introduced by Congresswomen María Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, seeks to abolish this very requirement. The bill has garnered bipartisan support from 20 members of the US Congress.
If this act is passed into law, it would mean that a student visa application can no longer be rejected solely because the applicant failed to prove they plan to leave the US after their studies. It is crucial to note, however, that the act does not alter the pathways for staying in the country after graduation. Students wishing to remain would still need to qualify through existing channels like employment-based visas (such as the H-1B) or other approved routes.
Fixed-Term Stays: A New Challenge on the Horizon
While one door may be opening, another could be narrowing. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed another critical change. It plans to shift the admission period for holders of F, J, and I visas from the current 'Duration of Status' (D/S) system to a fixed time period.
Under the D/S framework, international students can remain in the United States as long as they maintain their valid student status by being enrolled in a full-time course. A move to a fixed term could introduce new complexities, potentially forcing students to apply for extensions more frequently or risk having to leave the country before their program is complete.
For prospective students from India and around the world, these proposed changes represent a mixed bag. The removal of the 'Intent to Leave' hurdle could make the initial visa process more accessible. However, the introduction of fixed-term admissions might create fresh uncertainties regarding the length and stability of their stay in America.
