India has said it is actively engaging with the United States to address concerns arising from recent changes to American visa regulations, assuring that the government will continue to support Indian students and other genuine travellers who may face difficulties under the revised framework.
The assurance comes after the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced significant changes to visa rules governing foreign students, exchange visitors and media professionals, raising concerns among thousands of Indian nationals planning to study or work in the United States.
MEA Says Visa Policies Are Sovereign Decisions
Responding to questions during a media briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the revised US immigration rules but noted that visa and immigration policies remain the sovereign prerogative of every country.
He said the Indian government continues to closely monitor developments and remains prepared to raise issues with American authorities whenever genuine travellers or students encounter difficulties.”We’ve seen some reports regarding the visa rules. Visa rules and visa functions and immigration matters are sovereign functions of any state,” Jaiswal said.
India Assures Assistance To Citizens
The MEA spokesperson said New Delhi has consistently taken up cases involving Indian citizens whenever assistance is required.
According to Jaiswal, the government remains committed to engaging with the US administration to minimise inconvenience faced by Indian students, travellers and other eligible visa holders.
He added that such matters are regularly discussed with the American side whenever necessary.
What Has Changed Under The New US Visa Policy?
The revised DHS regulations introduce fixed periods of stay for certain categories of non-immigrant visa holders, replacing the earlier system under which many foreign students and exchange visitors could remain in the country for the duration of their academic or professional programmes.
The changes affect three major visa categories:
- F Visa: International students.
- J Visa: Exchange visitors.
- I Visa: Foreign media professionals.
One of the most significant changes is the reduction of the post-study grace period available to F-1 student visa holders. Under the new rules, students will now have 30 days, instead of the earlier 60 days, to leave the United States, transfer to another institution or change their immigration status after completing their studies.
Indian Students Closely Watching Developments
The policy changes are expected to have implications for thousands of Indian students, who represent one of the largest international student communities in the United States.
While the US has defended the revised framework as an administrative reform, India has indicated that it will continue engaging diplomatically to ensure that legitimate travellers and students do not face unnecessary hardships during the implementation of the new rules.
1. What did India say about the new US visa rules?
India said it is engaging with US authorities to minimise difficulties faced by Indian students and genuine travellers affected by the revised visa regulations.
2. Who made the announcement?
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue during a media briefing in New Delhi.
3. Which visa categories are affected?
The revised policy applies to F (student), J (exchange visitor), and I (media) visa holders.
4. What is the biggest change for international students?
The grace period after completing studies has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days for F-1 visa holders.
5. Why are Indian students concerned?
The new rules could affect post-study planning, visa status changes and transfers between educational institutions.
6. Will India continue to raise concerns with the US?
Yes. The MEA said it will continue taking up issues with American authorities whenever Indian students or genuine travellers face difficulties under the revised visa framework.
