The Trump administration has issued a final notice of new rules that will tighten visa conditions for foreign students in the United States, including many Pakistani students enrolled in American universities.

Under the proposed policy, foreign students will not be allowed to stay in the US for more than four years unless they receive federal permission.

The new rules will also restrict students from changing programmes and transferring between colleges and universities more freely than before.

The Department of Homeland Security said the move will “combat rampant visa abuse” and strengthen national security through regular vetting. The policy is set to take effect in September.

Until now, foreign students on F-1 visas and J-1 exchange visas could remain in the US under “duration of status,” which allowed them to stay for as long as they needed to complete their studies. Higher education institutions could also grant visa extensions.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the changes would stop students from staying in the US indefinitely by repeatedly enrolling in courses. The administration has already pushed to reduce the number of foreign students and tighten immigration controls.

The new policy may especially affect graduate students, including many in science and technology programmes, as these degrees often take longer than four years to complete. Research delays, funding gaps and personal issues can also extend study periods.

The rules will also shorten the grace period after graduation. Foreign students will now have 30 days to leave the US or switch to another visa category, down from the previous 60 days.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators strongly criticised the decision, saying the policy adds uncertainty and bureaucracy to a system that has long worked effectively.

For Pakistani students planning higher education in the US, the new rules could mean tighter timelines, fewer transfer options and more pressure to complete degrees within the new limits.

Get the latest education news, admissions updates, and scholarship alerts wherever you prefer.

Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

Shares