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    HomeWorldF-1 visa reforms: US may end ‘Intent to Leave’ rule; here's how it may impact Indian students

    F-1 visa reforms: US may end ‘Intent to Leave’ rule; here's how it may impact Indian students

    The DIGNITY Act of 2025 could end the F-1 visa “intent to leave” requirement, while DHS plans fixed-term admissions and revisions to OPT, reshaping opportunities for international students, including those from India.

    Curated by : Pragya Trivedi
    November 27, 2025 / 12:38 IST
    DIGNITY Act of 2025

    The number of international students choosing the United States as a study destination is declining, largely due to stricter immigration enforcement and tighter visa regulations. US authorities are now considering major changes to study visa rules, which could significantly influence global student mobility.

    Repeal of the ‘intent to leave’ rule
    A new proposal in the US Congress could change how Indian and other international students are evaluated during F-1 visa interviews.
    The DIGNITY Act of 2025 aims to repeal the long-standing “Intent to Leave” requirement, allowing students to study in the US without having to prove they will definitely return to their home country after graduation.
    Currently, most F-1 visa refusals fall under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which presumes applicants might immigrate unless they convince consular officers otherwise. Applicants must show strong ties to their home country, such as property, stable employment, or close family, to overcome this presumption.
    At present, students applying for F-1 visas must demonstrate “non-immigrant intent,” proving they plan to return home after completing their studies. Failure to show this intent can result in visa denial, even if the student’s primary goal is education.
    Although most students plan to return home, visas are sometimes rejected if they cannot clearly demonstrate their intention to leave the US after studies. The proposed change would remove this obstacle. If approved, denial of a student visa could no longer be based solely on the “intent to leave.”
    “This modification will eliminate this obstacle. Should the proposals be approved, the denial of a student visa may no longer be exclusively based on the ‘intent to leave,’” experts said.
    The repeal does not affect students who wish to stay in the US after graduation. Those who want to remain will still need to qualify through employment-based or other applicable visas.
    What's in it for Indian students

    For Indian students, this test has become a major hurdle. According to a report in The Times of India, this year highlighted sharp drops in F-1 approvals for Indians, with many rejections linked to officers not being satisfied with the student’s "intent to return".

    If the "intent to leave" rule is scrapped and F-1 is treated as dual-intent, students would no longer need to prove that they do not plan to stay back in the US. Consular officers could no longer deny a visa solely because an applicant appears open to working or settling in America later. This change is expected to reduce subjectivity in interviews and lower refusal rates for otherwise strong profiles from India.

    Shift from duration of status to fixed-term admissions

    In addition, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed changing the admission period for F, J, and I visa holders from “duration of status” (D/S) to a fixed-term period. Currently, students can remain in the US as long as they maintain a valid student status under D/S regulations. Under the new rule, non-immigrant students will need to depart the country after a specified period unless they apply for an extension.

    This change may introduce new challenges for international students, who will need to plan their studies and practical training periods more carefully.

    Impact on Optional Practical Training (OPT)

    The DHS has also proposed revisions to the OPT program, which allows students to gain work experience in US companies after graduation. The proposed amendments aim to better align practical training with program objectives, address security concerns, protect US workers, and enhance oversight. Some changes could limit employment opportunities for foreign graduates in US firms.

     

    first published: Nov 27, 2025 12:21 pm

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