What are the changes in the new rules?
According to the new policy, the duration of student visas will be reduced from five years to four years. At the same time, the 'Duration of Status' has also been set at a maximum of four years.
Previously, a university's Designated School Official (DSO) could extend a student's stay period as needed. Under the new rules, staying beyond four years will require approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Additionally, new restrictions are being imposed on changing colleges or universities and changing academic programs.
Grace period is being reduced
The period allowed to legally stay in the US after completing studies, or the grace period, has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Within this time, the student must leave the country or apply for another visa.
Old visa holders also under new rules
It has been stated that the new policy will also apply to those currently residing in the US on five-year student visas.
Who is at greater risk?
Completing a PhD or long-term research-based courses typically takes five to seven years. Even if an application is made to extend the time under the new rules, approval is not guaranteed. As a result, students engaged in long-term research may face comparatively more uncertainty.
According to US attorney of Bangladeshi descent, Raju Mahajan, those who are studying by following the rules have no reason to worry. However, the risk will increase for individuals who violate visa conditions and engage in other work.
Bangladeshi students studying in the US, Shahriar Nobel and Barna Bhowmik, share the same opinion. According to them, the new rules will not create major problems for genuine students; the main goal is to stop irregularities and visa misuse.
OPT benefit unchanged
No changes have been made to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit after studies. As before, STEM subject students will be able to work in the US for a maximum of three years, and non-STEM students for one year. Applications for this benefit must be submitted 90 days before graduation.
Elections behind the strict immigration policy?
According to attorney Raju Mahajan, these decisions are being taken as part of a strategy to increase voter support by taking a tough stance on immigration issues ahead of the 2026 US elections.
He stated that earlier, rules for checking the social media accounts of visa applicants were also tightened. Additionally, steps have been taken such as suspending immigration visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, and introducing visa bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 for applicants from 38 countries, including Bangladesh. However, in the past, several such strict policies have been suspended or overturned following court challenges.
