India Coordinates With US Over Tighter Visa Policies

The Government of India is engaging with American authorities to address difficulties Indian citizens face following the implementation of revised US visa policies. These changes, introduced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, establish a new framework that removes the ability for certain journalists, exchange visitors, and foreign scholars to reside in the US indefinitely without continuous federal oversight.

The new regulations specifically target non-immigrant visa holders in the F, J, and I categories. A significant change includes the reduction of the grace period for F visa holders—primarily students—to depart the US, change their legal status, or transfer institutions after graduation, which has dropped from 60 days to 30 days.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs of India, stated that the Indian government is monitoring the situation. While acknowledging that immigration matters are sovereign functions of any state, Jaiswal noted that the ministry raises specific issues regarding genuine travelers and students with the US side to minimize the difficulties they encounter.