US F1 visa term limits will impact high-achievers, STEM students: Study abroad consultants

The proposed reforms in the US visa policy for students could push talent to other countries, experts say. The United States’ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed replacing the “duration of status” system with a rigid four-year maximum term for F-1 visas. If it goes through, it could reshape students’ overseas education plans, say study abroad consultants.

Under the current framework, students are allowed to remain in the US as long as they maintain their full-time enrollment status. That policy will be scrapped. In the new US visa regime , an “extension of stay” will remain possible but involve more paperwork and may affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) .

The DHS has justified the move as a step to “increase programme integrity and national security” but experts warn that it might deter high-achieving candidates, especially those in STEM, medicine, and research programmes that typically exceed four years.

Indians and Chinese form the largest groups of international students in the US. As of August 2025, there were 3,70,378 Indian students registered with the US Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Student Visa USA: Fixed terms will deter gifted

Currently, international students may stay in the US as long as they maintain full-time enrollment. The new DHS rule would cap this period at four years, requiring students to apply for extensions of stay (EOS) if their programmes run longer. This would also shrink the post-study grace period from 60 to 30 days, add biometric vetting, and restrict changes in the programme that, experts say, undermine flexibility, especially for STEM and research-heavy degrees.

"The new four-year lifetime limit for the F-1 visa fundamentally alters student perspectives on studying in the US," says Ritika Gupta, CEO and counsellor, AAera Consultants. "Serious academic rigour, especially among STEM or research-heavy programmes, often defies fixed timelines. This is turning what should be an academic journey into a countdown clock."

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US F1 Visas: Reforms and cancellations

The reform proposals come in the wake of visa rejections and growing scrutiny of applications . "There has been a cancellation of more than 6,000 international student visas since January 2025. However, it is crucial to note that the US official named no specific group of students for visa revocation and that these measures are directed towards particular cases linked to illegal immigration, students who have overstayed their visas, and security and safety concerns. This action is not intended for the broader international student community who are genuinely seeking to study in the US," said Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia, IDP Education.

Kumar stressed that the US remains a leading study destination, home to “some of the world’s most prestigious universities”. "Our advice is to stay updated, follow rules and regulations, avoid unlawful gatherings, rely on trusted sources of information, and focus on academics," he said.

Overseas education consultants also say that the reforms should be seen as an adjustment. “Most master’s programmes are completed within 24–36 months and extensions are available for valid academic reasons, ensuring students can complete longer STEM or PhD programmes,” said Abhijit Zaveri, founder and director of overseas education consultants, Career Mosaic. “While these changes may require additional paperwork and planning, the US remains the world’s top destination for education and career growth. Families and students should view this as a procedural adjustment rather than a barrier, and with proactive planning, they can continue to pursue their academic and professional aspirations confidently in the US.”

Study abroad alternatives

Still, uncertainty is pushing students to explore alternatives. "We are not witnessing a retreat from international education but a realignment," said Sitashwa Srivastava, founder and CEO of Borderless. "The UAE and Singapore are gaining interest as universities expand their presence [there]. In this environment, financial preparedness, institutional trust, and policy clarity are becoming as critical as academic credentials."

Kamal Chhabra, founder of KC GlobEd, advised students targeting US professional programmes to keep options open. "Watching the US cancel thousands of visas has understandably caused profound worry. I advise students to diversify – consider Canada, the Middle East, or Singapore – and at the same time, strengthen profiles with dual qualifications. Success is no longer just about cracking exams; it’s about navigating uncertainty with foresight, resilience, and the right support."

The DHS proposal is open for public comment for 30 days, after which it could be finalised or modified.

Foreign education consultants recommend students plan programmes within four years where possible, budget time for extensions, stay informed through official channels, and seek verified guidance to avoid misinformation or fraud.

As Gupta summed up, “If the US offers rigidity, other countries will treat students as long-term contributors rather than temporary visa holders.”