The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has publicly signalled that New Delhi will raise newly-announced U.S. immigration curbs with its American counterparts after Washington finalised a “fixed-period of admission” regime for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and I-category journalists. Speaking at his weekly media briefing on 18 July, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined that visa issuance is a sovereign function but stressed that India "will continue to engage with the United States to minimise the difficulties faced by genuine travellers." The Department of Homeland Security rule—which replaces the long-standing “duration-of-status” system with a hard four-year (and in some cases two-year) admission limit—could force tens of thousands of Indian students to apply for costly extensions or risk falling out of status mid-degree. Indian tech employers and U.S. universities have already expressed concern that the rule will add administrative friction, create uncertainty around Optional Practical Training (OPT) job authorisations and dampen enrolment from India, the single largest feeder market for STEM master’s programmes. Education consultants in Bengaluru say families are reevaluating 2027 intake plans because “nobody wants to gamble on mid-course visa renewals.” Indian negotiators are expected to use the 2026 round of the bilateral Mobility Dialogue to seek carve-outs or fast-track extension windows for Indian nationals, mirroring concessions previously negotiated with Australia and the U.K. Industry bodies such as NASSCOM are lobbying New Delhi to link the issue to ongoing talks on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework’s mobility chapter. For employers in India and the U.S., the episode is a reminder to build additional lead time into overseas assignment planning, monitor SEVP guidance closely and prepare documentation (transcripts, funding proof, employer letters) well ahead of the new expiry dates that will be printed on I-94 arrival records.
Source: The Times of India
