New proposed rule can put ‘expiry date’ on student visa in USA

In the ever-growing list of restrictions and red-tapism relating to student visas in the USA under the Trump administration, a new proposed rule may bring added anxiety for the US aspirants across the world.

The new rule, proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE), calls for a fixed time period of admission for non-immigrant students – both academic and exchange, noted the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).

If approved, the rule would translate to an expiration date on every student visa, which currently is valid till a student is enrolled for a course. However, with the new rule, every visa will be valid for a certain time period, and after that, they will have to apply for an extension if they want to extend their stay in the USA.

On the OIRA website, the proposal was termed as ‘economically significant’. Right now, the bill is under ‘regulatory review’ with no deadline set for approval.

The development comes hours after US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston on Wednesday announced the opening of student visa applications for the United States and encouraged students to apply.

Opening the student visa applications, Houston emphasised that visas should be used strictly for genuine study purposes. Applicants must not misuse them by disrupting classes or damaging campus property.

She also stated that every decision they make is a ‘US national security decision’ and that these policies align with US immigration law to ensure they are upholding the highest standards for US immigration.