1 / 11With ongoing reforms to immigration policy under US President Donald Trump’s administration, Indian students and professionals planning to move to the United States are facing increasingly uncertain and challenging environment. From tighter visa scrutiny and higher rejection rates to legislative threats that could dismantle post-study work opportunities, the American dream appears more complex than ever. Here are ten critical developments that every Indian student and working professional must be aware about before considering moving to the US. (Photo: Reuters)
2 / 11US Visa a privilege, not a right: In a marked change in rhetoric, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently clarified that visas are not entitlements but privileges granted under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This new approach underscores a zero-tolerance policy towards visa violations. Even minor violations such as overstaying the permitted duration or engaging in unauthorised employment, may result in immediate cancellation of visas. Consular officers have been instructed to strictly enforce immigration laws, leaving no room for leniency. (Photo: Agencies)
3 / 11Visa revocations without notice on rise: A growing number of Indian students have reported abrupt revocations of their student visas, often without any prior warning or formal communication to universities. In several instances, students were informed about their visa cancellations via email, sometimes linked to past offences, such as traffic violations or alcohol-related incidents. This has left many stranded or forced to abandon their education midway, sparking concerns about the lack of transparency and due process. (Photo: Shutterstock)
4 / 11Surge in F-1 student visa rejections: The rejections rate for F-1 student visa applications soared to an unprecedented 41% in the 2023-24 academic year, with 2.79 lakh applications being denied, as per The Times of India (TOI) report. This marks the highest rejection rates in over a decade, compared to 36% in the previous year. The figures reflect increasing scrutiny by US authorities, creating additional barriers for Indian students. (Photo: Shutterstock)
5 / 11Proposed legislation to end Optional Practical Training (OPT): A recently introduced bill, Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025, seeks to dismantle the OPT programme, a crucial post-study work opportunity for international students, especially in STEM fields. If passed, the bill would limit work authorisation to just four months and prohibit extensions. Over 97,000 Indian students benefitted from OPT in 2023–2024. If the legislation is enacted, graduates may be forced to return home immediately after completing their degrees, drastically reducing the programme’s attractiveness. (Photo: Unsplash)
6 / 11Difficult transition from F-1 to H-1B visas: Students shifting from F-1 (student) to H-1B (work) visas are now more vulnerable to sudden legal disruptions. Unexpected visa revocations or delays during the transition phase could leave individuals without valid status, making them ineligible to work or remain in the US. This uncertainty has intensified stress among Indian professionals planning their career progression in the country. (Photo: The Associated Press)
7 / 11Travel advisories complicate movement for Indian nationals: The US immigration authorities have issued travel advisories for Indian nationals, including students, Green Card holders, and H-1B workers. There have been reports of elderly Indian residents being pressured to surrender their Green Cards upon re-entry to the US. The advisories recommend minimising international travel unless absolutely necessary, further complicating long-term plans and family commitments. (Photo: Unsplash)
8 / 11Social media activity now under surveillance: Applicants’ digital footprints are now under close inspection as US authorities have been instructed to monitor social media activity to ensure compliance with immigration norms. Posts, likes, shares, or even comments that are seen as inappropriate or inconsistent with declared intentions could lead to visa denials. Students are advised to audit their online presence and maintain a professional tone across platforms. (Photo: Agencies)
9 / 11Tighter Green Card scrutiny for spouses: Obtaining a Green Card through marriage has become increasingly difficult, with immigration officers now conducting thorough interviews to verify the authenticity of relationships. Couples are quizzed on how they met, their daily routines, future plans, and more. The intention is to identify and prevent fraudulent marriages, but it has also added stress for genuine couples going through the process. (Photo: Agencies)
10 / 11Drop Box visa renewal eligibility period shortened: The time frame for using the Drop Box facility — which allows visa renewals without in-person interviews — has been slashed from 48 months to 12 months. This change forces a large segment of visa holders to attend in-person appointments, resulting in longer wait times and travel for interviews. The policy particularly impacts H-1B holders and F-1 to H-1B applicants who frequently relied on this convenience. (Photo: Pexels)
11 / 11Suspension of the Immigration Ombudsman Office leaves students helpless: The shutdown of the CIS Ombudsman Office, which previously helped resolve delays and errors in immigration processing, has created a support vacuum. The office was instrumental in addressing issues such as delayed OPT approvals or H-1B disputes. Without this recourse, affected individuals now face prolonged timelines and bureaucratic deadlocks with little assistance. (Photo: Agencies)
