The External Affairs Ministry said India is in touch with US authorities to minimise difficulties faced by Indian students
July 18, 2026: India has said it is actively engaging with the United States over revised visa regulations that could affect Indian students, exchange visitors and other travellers. Speaking during a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said visa and immigration policies are sovereign matters, but India continues to raise concerns whenever genuine travellers or students face difficulties due to policy changes.
Jaiswal said the government closely monitors such developments and takes up issues with the US authorities to reduce hardships faced by Indian citizens. His remarks came after the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced new rules that limit the duration of stay for non-immigrant visa holders under the F, J and I categories. These categories include students, exchange visitors and foreign media professionals.
Under the revised policy, the DHS has replaced the earlier system that allowed eligible visa holders to remain in the US for extended periods under continuous status. The new framework introduces fixed periods of stay and also reduces the grace period for F visa holders after graduation from 60 days to 30 days to either leave the country, transfer to another institution or change their immigration status.