-
A US federal court has temporarily blocked proposed restrictions on student and journalist visas, preserving existing stay arrangements for Indian nationals
-
US court pauses visa restrictions, giving Indian students and journalists temporary relief
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
Indian students and journalists in the United States have received temporary relief after a federal court blocked new visa rules that would have introduced fixed limits on how long certain foreign nationals could remain in the country.
The ruling by Massachusetts District Judge F Dennis Saylor came shortly before the measures were due to take effect on September 15. The proposed rules, introduced by the Donald Trump administration, sought to replace the existing system allowing eligible students and exchange visitors to remain for the duration of their authorised programmes.
Four-year limit for students
Under the proposed changes, foreign students holding F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas would generally have been admitted for a fixed period, with a four-year limit for students. Those needing additional time to complete their studies would have had to apply for an extension of stay through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The changes could have affected Indian students enrolled in longer academic programmes, including some doctoral courses.
-
The court’s preliminary injunction means the existing duration-of-status framework remains in place for now
-
Students who are maintaining their immigration status can continue their authorised studies under the current arrangements
India was the largest source of international students in the US in the 2024-25 academic year, with 363,019 students, according to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report.
Journalists faced shorter stays
The proposed rules would also have reduced the standard admission period for foreign journalists on I visas to 240 days, or about eight months. Extensions of the same length would have been available.
Indian journalists working in the US could therefore have faced more frequent applications to continue their assignments. The court’s order temporarily preserves the existing framework.
Other visa changes remain relevant
The ruling does not resolve other immigration measures affecting Indians. The administration has also proposed or introduced changes involving H-1B employment visas, student work programmes and green-card applications.
A proposed $100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows eligible international graduates to work in the US after completing their studies, remains a separate issue.
The legal challenge to the student and journalist visa rules is continuing. The government could appeal the injunction, meaning the position may change as proceedings move forward.
