Scholar Gypsy Study Abroad
Studying in the United States has long been the dream of thousands of Indian students, especially those guided by the Top Study Abroad Consultancy in Kerala, the Best Study Abroad Consultancy in Trivandrum, and the Best Overseas Consultancy in Kerala. But a new immigration policy proposal from the Trump administration is creating waves of uncertainty. This change, if finalized, could transform how international students study, transfer, and work in the US.
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about the proposed immigration rule, its likely impact on Indian students, and why expert guidance from Scholar Gypsy Study Abroad is more important than ever.
What You Will Learn in This Blog
To make it easier, here’s a quick outline of what this article covers:
- What the new US immigration proposal is – and why it matters.
- Fixed admission periods vs. duration of status – the biggest change in student visas.
- New limits on student visa duration and transfers – how flexibility is shrinking.
- Impact on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM extensions – work opportunities at risk.
- Changes to adjudication and appeals – why students may face denials more often.
- Exceptions and national security reasoning – DHS justification explained.
- What education experts are saying – the fear of losing international talent.
- How Indian students are affected – with a 50% drop in arrivals already showing.
- The role of trusted study abroad consultants – why support is critical now.
- Conclusion – Why Scholar Gypsy Study Abroad is the partner you can trust.
A Major Policy Shift: Fixed Admission Periods
The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the current “duration of status” system for international students. At present, F-1 and J-1 visa holders can remain in the US for as long as they are enrolled in an approved academic program.
The new rule replaces this with a fixed admission period of four years. If a program lasts longer (such as a PhD or dual degree), students will need to apply for extensions—each subject to review by US immigration authorities.
Given that the average time to complete a bachelor’s degree in the US is 52 months (4.3 years) and PhD programs often take 5.7 years, many students would be caught in the middle.
New Limits on Student Visa Duration and Transfers
Another major blow is the restriction on program transfers. Under the new rule:
- F-1 students at levels below graduate school cannot change programs within their first academic year, unless an exception is granted.
- Graduate students cannot change programs at all during their study period.
This eliminates the flexibility that many international students rely on to shift majors or explore interdisciplinary studies.
Additionally, language training students would face a strict 24-month limit, making long-term English programs difficult.
Impact on OPT and STEM Extensions
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is one of the main reasons international students choose the US—it allows them to gain real-world work experience after completing their studies.
Currently, students do not need to extend their F-1 status to access OPT or the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Under the proposed policy:
- Students will be required to apply for an extension of visa status before applying for OPT.
- This could add delays, costs, and risks of denial, creating uncertainty for both students and employers.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow has also indicated possible plans to end OPT work authorisation altogether, a move that could drastically reduce the appeal of US universities.
Stricter Adjudication and Appeals
Another part of the rule gives USCIS officers the power to deny extension requests without deference to prior approvals.
This means:
- Even if your status was approved once, the extension could still be denied later.
- No formal appeals process would be available.
For students, this increases the risk of sudden disruption in their academic journey.
Exceptions and DHS National Security Justification
DHS claims the rule is designed to protect national security. Only limited exceptions would be allowed, including:
- Serious illness.
- Natural disasters.
- Academic reasons beyond a student’s control.
But reasons like academic probation or suspension would not qualify.
While national security is important, experts argue that such a broad policy may punish genuine students instead of targeting risks more effectively.
What Education Experts Are Saying
Education leaders and immigration experts are sounding the alarm.
- Miriam Feldblum, President of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, said the rule would create uncertainty and discourage international enrolment.
- Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, described the proposal as government overreach that harms US competitiveness in research and innovation.
- Nancy Morowitz of Fragomen pointed out this echoes Trump’s first-term policies that caused high visa denials and unpredictability.
The Impact on Indian Students
India has always been one of the largest sources of international students in the US. But recent numbers already reflect a disturbing trend:
- US Customs and Border Protection data (July 2025) shows a 50% drop in arrivals from India compared to 2024.
This could worsen if the rule is implemented, as students may choose more welcoming destinations such as the UK, Canada, Germany, or Ireland.
Why Trusted Guidance Matters
For students in Kerala, navigating such uncertain immigration policies requires expert counselling and reliable support. This is where the Top Study Abroad Consultancy in Kerala and the Best Study Abroad Consultancy in Trivandrum play a vital role.
Choosing the right consultancy ensures:
- Up-to-date knowledge of immigration rules.
- Strong support for visa applications and extensions.
- Guidance on alternative destinations if US policies tighten further.
Conclusion: Scholar Gypsy Study Abroad – Your Trusted Partner
The US immigration landscape is undergoing dramatic changes. From fixed admission periods and restricted transfers to uncertain OPT access and stricter USCIS adjudication, international students face more challenges than ever before.
But this does not mean your study abroad dream has to end. With the guidance of the Best Overseas Consultancy in Kerala, you can explore not only the US but also alternative study destinations where opportunities remain open and welcoming.
At Scholar Gypsy Study Abroad, we specialise in supporting students through every step of their journey—from choosing the right university to preparing for visas, scholarships, and career opportunities. Our reputation as the Top Study Abroad Consultancy in Kerala and the Best Study Abroad Consultancy in Trivandrum comes from years of trusted service and success stories.
If you’re ready to make your study abroad dream a reality, don’t let uncertainty stop you. Choose Scholar Gypsy Study Abroad—the partner you can trust.
