Trump administration caps US visas for students, exchange visitors, and journalists.
The Trump administration has unveiled a new set of visa students, journalists, and travellers taking part in cultural exchanges. Shortly after, the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, severely deteriorating India-US relations.
Tighter restrictions and shorter visa lengths may create new uncertainty for thousands of Indians who plan to study or work in the US.
The US administration has changed how long foreign students, exchange visitors, and media persons can legally stay in the country. Earlier, their visas were valid for the full duration of their course or work. Now, the rule caps it to a fixed period.
Student and cultural exchange visas, also known as ‘F’ and ‘J’ visas, will now be limited to a maximum of four years. Journalists holding ‘I’ visas will only be allowed 240 days.
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For Chinese citizens, the restrictions are even stricter. Their stay is now limited to 90 days under the new rule. Beijing, which views this action as a targeted attack on Chinese citizens, has already protested it.
According to US officials, the change is needed for stricter monitoring of foreign nationals. The administration argues that unlimited visa duration made it difficult to track overstays and possible security risks.
Interestingly, a similar policy was first introduced in 2020 during Trump’s earlier tenure, but was later rolled back by the Biden administration in 2021. Now, Trump has brought it back in a stronger form.
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The decision will directly affect Indian students, who make up one of the largest groups in US universities. In order to complete their courses and enrol on optional training programs, many rely on flexible visa periods.
As per US government data, in 2024, the country hosted 1.6 million international students, 3.55 lakh cultural exchange visitors, and 13,000 media personnel. Many of them, including Indians, will now have to adjust to stricter timelines.
This visa tightening comes soon after Trump’s massive tariff hike of 50% on Indian goods. Together, the moves point to growing tension in ties between the two democracies.
The timing is considerably more difficult for professionals, journalists, and students because study and travel plans are now subject to legal and financial obstacles.
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