Latest news with #F-1
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
"These Visa Policies Will Reduce The Number Of International Students In The US": Expert Answers
F-1 Visa Changes: The global recognition and perceived quality of international degrees have consistently motivated students to pursue education abroad. Over time, the number of Indian students studying abroad has steadily increased, with the United States alone recording a high of over 300,000 Indian students. However, the application process for studying in any foreign country involves several challenges, particularly obtaining a visa, which depends on various factors such as interviews and the justification for choosing a specific course. Recently, the U.S. has introduced changes to its visa interview process. NDTV's Ambika Singh Kahma speaks to Pragati Imam, a career counsellor and the founder of CollegeEdge, a boutique firm in Kolkata on how the F-1 visa policies have changed, what other countries students can choose to pursue their career and what are some of the alternative options students can take to secure an F-1 visa: Question 1: What are the latest changes in F-1 visa policies? Have there been any new restrictions or requirements? Pragati Imam: The most significant recent change is a temporary halt on scheduling new F-1 visa interviews at U.S. consulates worldwide as the U.S. government expands social media vetting for international student applicants. Existing appointments will proceed, but no new ones will be scheduled until further notice. Additionally, F-1 visa holders are now restricted from participating in study abroad programs longer than five months, even if they remain enrolled at their U.S. institution - a change from previous practice. Question 2: Has the visa interview process changed? Are there new screening measures, such as social media vetting? Pragati Imam: There are new expanded screening measures in place. All student visa applicants are now subject to enhanced social media vetting, which includes consular officers reviewing applicants' social media posts. This expansion is part of a broader effort to increase national security and monitor political activity. Earlier also applicants have had to disclose their social media details, but the current review is more intensive. Question 3: What are some alternative options for students who are unable to secure an F1 visa? Pragati Imam: If your U.S. visa is rejected, you can reapply or consider top options abroad like Canada, the UK, Ireland, the EU, or Singapore. But don't overlook India, which now boasts some of the best undergraduate programs in the world with strong industry connections, global exposure, and impressive placement records. Question 4: Can students pursue online courses or certifications from US universities if they can't get an F1 visa? Pragati Imam: Yes, students can pursue online courses or certifications from many U.S. universities. However, these do not grant the same campus experience or post-study work benefits as in-person programs, and some programs may have restrictions on international enrollment. But online credentials can still enhance your academic profile and career prospects. Question 5: How do visa issues impact academic opportunities for international students? Pragati Imam: Visa issues like delays or denials may force students to defer admission, lose scholarships, or miss program start dates. The uncertainty and perceived risk of visa denial will also discourage academically talented students from even attempting to apply to U.S. institutions. Additionally, universities with curricula emphasizing international exposure must now reconsider or restructure such programs and this will reduce students' access to global learning experiences. Question 6: What are the most common challenges students face during the F1 visa application process? Pragati Imam: One of the most important challenges will be to clearly explain why they have chosen a particular college and major, demonstrating how the program aligns with their academic and career goals and why studying in the U.S. is essential for their plans. Students must also prove strong ties to their home country to show they intend to return after their studies, and provide thorough, credible financial documentation to demonstrate they can cover all expenses. Question 7: Can students consider other countries for higher education if they're facing challenges with US F1 visas? Pragati Imam: Absolutely, students can consider countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany, or Ireland, which offer high-quality education. Question 8: How do universities support international students facing visa issues? Are there legal or financial assistance programs available? Pragati Imam: The extent of support varies by institution, so students should contact their university's international office for specific resources. But they are trying to help with legal guidance through international student offices. Question 9: What are the options for students facing visa delays or denials? Can they defer admission or transfer to another institution? Pragati Imam: Students can reapply after carefully addressing the reason for the denial, such as by providing stronger financial documentation or clarifying their study intentions. Another option is to request a deferral of admission from the university, allowing more time to resolve visa issues before starting the program. Students may also consider exploring opportunities in another country with more favorable visa policies. Additionally, if the university allows, beginning studies online can be a temporary solution. Question 10: What are the long-term implications of these policies? Could they affect post-graduation work opportunities or visa extensions? Pragati Imam: These visa policies will reduce the number of international students in the U.S. and limit access to OPT and post-graduation work for those without F-1 status. Question 11: If my son doesn't get his F1 visa for studying in business in the US, what options does he have? Pragati Imam: Students can begin their business studies in India and later consider transferring to a U.S. institution if circumstances improve. Alternatively, they can apply to top universities in countries like Canada, UK, Spain and Australia with strong business programs. They could also study in India as the leading institutions such as IIM Indore, INMIMS Mumbai, Christ University (Bangalore) offer a world class business education. Pragati Imam completed her Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from NYU Stern School of Business and has worked at Citi Group. She is passionate about guiding students towards their college admission goals.
The Mainichi
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Mainichi
Career pathways in the US dim for international students as Trump cracks down on visas
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Since coming from China as a teenager for boarding school, Bob Zeng has imagined building a career in the United States. But as he prepared to graduate Thursday from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it felt like the last chapter of his life in America. Zeng said he has been rethinking his plans because of the Trump administration's pledge to aggressively revoke the visas of Chinese students. Having completed a masters degree in science and management, he is thinking about moving to Europe. Or going home to China. "I am worried about working here," said Zeng, 30. "You never know what's going to happen." Many international students come to the U.S. with hopes of gaining work experience and returning to their home countries or pursuing a career in the U.S. But the administration's intensifying scrutiny of international students -- and signs that formal career pathways for them may be closed -- are leading some to reconsider their plans. Beyond the steps the administration already has taken -- expanding the grounds for terminating students' ability to study in the U.S., adding new vetting for student visas, moving to block foreign enrollment at Harvard -- a key nominee has raised the possibility of ending a program that encourages international students to stay and gain work experience. About 240,000 of the 1.1 million people on student visas in the U.S. are on Optional Practical Training -- a one-year post-graduation period where they are authorized to work in fields related to their degrees. It can last up to three years for graduates in science, math and technology fields. President Donald Trump's nominee for director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said during his confirmation hearing on May 21 that he would like to see an end to post-graduate work authorization for international students. "What I want to see would be essentially a regulatory and sub-regulatory program that would allow us to remove the ability for employment authorizations for F-1 students beyond the time that they are in school," said Edlow, referring to the F-1 visas on which most international students attend college in the U.S. A program offers international students a foothold for careers in the US The opportunity to gain career experience at U.S. companies, especially in technology and other fields where American companies dominate, has long been a draw of studying here. Many enter the H-1B visa lottery, hoping to be selected for one of the employer-sponsored visas that offer a pathway to permanent residency in the United States. Threatening practical training opportunities would have long-term consequences for the U.S. in attracting international students, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, which represents international educators. "We turn global talent away at our own expense," Aw said. Like many international students, Marko, 29, finds himself glued to the news with a growing sense of alarm. His Optional Practical Training expires in a month, and he has applied for an extension but hasn't heard back, leaving him in limbo. Lawyers for the tech company where he works in New York City advised him to carry proof of his legal status in his wallet, which he finds "dehumanizing." "The message being sent now is that: You are not one of us, and we are going to get rid of you," said Marko, who asked that only his first name be used because he is worried about being targeted for removal from the country. He has lived in the U.S. for a decade spanning college and graduate school, but his family and friends back home have encouraged him to leave. His hope is that he gets the OPT extension and can then apply for an H-1B visa and continue his life in the U.S., but he also worries about anti-immigrant sentiment and who will be targeted next. Guy, an HIV researcher at Mount Sinai Hospital who declined to provide his last name for fear of retaliation, came to the United States in 2018 for a PhD program at New York University. He's now in his second year of OPT and would have to return to the United Kingdom if the program was terminated. Although he still feels welcome in New York City, he said it feels like there's a "war on immigrants in this country." "It's not a particularly attractive place to stay and do science right now," he said. Foreign students have been targeted on several fronts In his first administration, Trump floated the idea of curtailing OPT, but that did not materialize. During the campaign, he suggested he would give green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges, a sentiment that students and educators hoped would signal more welcoming policies. But his administration has cracked down on international students in several ways. In April, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began terminating the legal status of people with student visas who appeared in a database of police encounters. Many caught up in that effort were on OPT, and had to leave their jobs or risk violating laws about working without legal authorization. ICE eventually restored students' status after widespread legal challenges, but not before some chose to leave the country pre-emptively, fearing deportation. In mid-May, some recent graduates received letters threatening to terminate their status if they did not update their employment records. While the letters gave them an opportunity to fix any reporting issues, it sent another wave of uncertainty through international graduates. This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the government would move to revoke visas of Chinese students with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in "critical" fields. Yurong "Luanna" Jiang, a Chinese student who graduated Thursday from Harvard University, said in an interview that she had hoped to stay in the U.S. for a few years but she has been unsettled by the Trump administration's crackdown on visas. "In terms of the plan going forward, I would say everything is up in the air at this point," said Jiang, who is now open to going anywhere in the world to work in international development. "At this point, it's difficult to say what will happen." ___ Gecker reported from San Francisco, Toness and Michael Casey contributed from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Collin Binkley contributed from Washington.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Career pathways in US dim for international students as Trump cracks down on visas
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Since coming from China as a teenager for boarding school, Bob Zeng has imagined building a career in the United as he prepared to graduate Thursday from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it felt like the last chapter of his life in said he has been rethinking his plans because of the Trump administration's pledge to aggressively revoke the visas of Chinese completed a masters degree in science and management, he is thinking about moving to Europe. Or going home to China."I am worried about working here," said Zeng, 30. "You never know what's going to happen."Many international students come to the US with hopes of gaining work experience and returning to their home countries or pursuing a career in the US. But the administration's intensifying scrutiny of international students - and signs that formal career pathways for them may be closed - are leading some to reconsider their the steps the administration already has taken - expanding the grounds for terminating students' ability to study in the US, adding new vetting for student visas, moving to block foreign enrolment at Harvard - a key nominee has raised the possibility of ending a programme that encourages international students to stay and gain work 240,000 of the 1.1 million people on student visas in the US are on Optional Practical Training - a one-year post-graduation period where they are authorized to work in fields related to their degrees. It can last up to three years for graduates in science, math and technology Donald Trump's nominee for director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services , Joseph Edlow, said during his confirmation hearing on May 21 that he would like to see an end to post-graduate work authorization for international students."What I want to see would be essentially a regulatory and sub-regulatory program that would allow us to remove the ability for employment authorizations for F-1 students beyond the time that they are in school," said Edlow, referring to the F-1 visas on which most international students attend college in the US.A programme offers international students a foothold for careers in the USThe opportunity to gain career experience at US companies, especially in technology and other fields where American companies dominate, has long been a draw of studying here. Many enter the H-1B visa lottery, hoping to be selected for one of the employer-sponsored visas that offer a pathway to permanent residency in the United practical training opportunities would have long-term consequences for the US in attracting international students, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, which represents international educators."We turn global talent away at our own expense," Aw many international students, Marko, 29, finds himself glued to the news with a growing sense of alarm. His Optional Practical Training expires in a month, and he has applied for an extension but hasn't heard back, leaving him in limbo. Lawyers for the tech company where he works in New York City advised him to carry proof of his legal status in his wallet, which he finds "dehumanising.""The message being sent now is that: You are not one of us, and we are going to get rid of you," said Marko, who asked that only his first name be used because he is worried about being targeted for removal from the has lived in the US for a decade spanning college and graduate school, but his family and friends back home have encouraged him to leave. His hope is that he gets the OPT extension and can then apply for an H-1B visa and continue his life in the US, but he also worries about anti-immigrant sentiment and who will be targeted an HIV researcher at Mount Sinai Hospital who declined to provide his last name for fear of retaliation, came to the United States in 2018 for a PhD program at New York University . He's now in his second year of OPT and would have to return to the United Kingdom if the program was terminated. Although he still feels welcome in New York City, he said it feels like there's a "war on immigrants in this country.""It's not a particularly attractive place to stay and do science right now," he students have been targeted on several frontsIn his first administration, Trump floated the idea of curtailing OPT, but that did not materialize. During the campaign, he suggested he would give green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges, a sentiment that students and educators hoped would signal more welcoming his administration has cracked down on international students in several April, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement began terminating the legal status of people with student visas who appeared in a database of police encounters. Many caught up in that effort were on OPT, and had to leave their jobs or risk violating laws about working without legal authorization. ICE eventually restored students' status after widespread legal challenges, but not before some chose to leave the country pre-emptively, fearing mid-May, some recent graduates received letters threatening to terminate their status if they did not update their employment records. While the letters gave them an opportunity to fix any reporting issues, it sent another wave of uncertainty through international week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the government would move to revoke visas of Chinese students with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in "critical" "Luanna" Jiang, a Chinese student who graduated Thursday from Harvard University , said in an interview that she had hoped to stay in the US for a few years but she has been unsettled by the Trump administration's crackdown on visas."In terms of the plan going forward, I would say everything is up in the air at this point," said Jiang, who is now open to going anywhere in the world to work in international development. "At this point, it's difficult to say what will happen."
NDTV
13 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Facing US Student Visa Issues In 2025? Expert Advice, Alternatives, And What Comes Next
Navigating the complexities of US student visas can be daunting, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. From visa denials to regulatory changes, international students often find themselves in uncertain situations. In this series, we are exploring the most pressing questions and concerns, providing expert insights, practical advice, and guidance for students, parents, and educators alike. NDTV's Ambika Singh Kahma speaks to Abhinav Nath, an education expert, who holds a certification in International College Advising from the University of Pennsylvania, about the current challenges surrounding US student visas and the way forward for affected students: Question 1. If a student has an I-20 visa but can't go to the US due to visa denial, what options do they have? Abhinav Nath: If a student has an I-20 but cannot apply for a visa right now due to the recent pause, they should wait patiently for appointments to resume-it is certain they will. If the visa has been denied, try to investigate what went wrong during the interview process. Consider what question the visa officer asked that may have led to the denial. Reapply and prepare better for your interview. Alongside this, consider options in the UK, Europe, and even Australia, where the first semester (official academic year) begins in January/February. Question 2. How will recent changes in F-1 visa regulations impact international students in the US? Abhinav Nath: New F-1 changes have primarily impacted students planning to go in August/September 2025. The most significant change is the pause on visa appointments as an additional step of social media vetting is being introduced. Whether you're a future student or currently enrolled, being mindful of political activism is important. Anything that can be perceived as anti-nationalism by the US can endanger your F-1 visa status. Additionally, students must not break any laws, including missing classes. The US Embassy in India released a statement along these lines earlier this week (see below). Question 3. What are the alternatives for students who have admission in the US but are struggling to get a visa? Abhinav Nath: Be patient-visa appointments will become available. If you need alternatives, consider UK universities; many still have seats open. Explore European universities as well, many of which have rolling applications (e.g., IE Business School). Indian liberal arts colleges like FLAME and Krea also have final rounds open until mid-June. Lastly, Australia's academic year begins in January/February, so if students are open to a six-month gap, they can apply for the Jan/Feb intake. There are many options-stay positive about the US! Question 4. Can students with an I-20 pursue online courses from their home country, and will it affect their visa status? Abhinav Nath: If you have an I-20 and the F-1 visa but choose to take online courses from your home country, your I-20 status should remain valid. However, once you enter the US, your F-1 visa and SEVIS record become active, and to maintain that status, you must be enrolled full-time and attend in-person classes. Question 5. How can students prepare for potential visa interviews, and what are the most common questions asked? Abhinav Nath: Know why you selected the college you're attending-what makes it stand out? Understand your reasons for pursuing your chosen course. Be clear on how you or your parents will fund your education, and think through your future plans after graduation. You should be able to clearly articulate all of this during your interview. Question 6. What are the implications of visa delays or rejections on students' academic and career plans? Abhinav Nath: If there are visa delays, your university may allow a late arrival or give you the option to defer for a semester or a year, depending on whether they offer a Spring (January) intake. If your visa is rejected, reapply. If it's rejected twice, I recommend exploring other countries and institutions. From a career perspective, even in the worst-case scenario, one gap year won't cost you much-especially if you use it productively. Question 7. Are there any alternative countries or universities that students can consider if they're facing challenges with US visas? Abhinav Nath: Yes. As mentioned earlier, the UK, India, Europe, and Australia all offer excellent alternatives. Question 8. What happens if a student decides to join the university in the next term instead of the current one-can they use the same I-20, or do they need to apply for a new one? Abhinav Nath: Typically, the university will issue a new I-20, but this is a simple process, so students need not worry. If your F-1 visa has already been issued, you may not need to apply for it again (which is a blessing), but a reissued I-20 will still be required. Question 9. What are the key factors that determine visa approval or rejection, and how can students improve their chances? Abhinav Nath: The two biggest factors I've observed over the years are: 1. Your ability to clearly explain why you value a US education and why you chose that specific college. Your reasons should be genuine and academically motivated-not based on having distant relatives in that city or state. 2. Your post-education plans must be communicated clearly. While wanting to work in the US is fine, appearing desperate to stay permanently can hurt your chances. Question 10. What should be the plan of action for a student who is going to the US this year but doesn't have an appointment yet, considering the pause on visa appointments? Abhinav Nath: I recommend three things: 1. Be patient - Appointments are expected to open soon. Keep progressing with your visa application. 2. Have a Plan B - If you have other acceptances, consider securing your place by paying deposits. If not, apply elsewhere as a backup. 3. Prepare thoroughly for your interview - The pause suggests changes are coming (e.g., social media vetting), so be well-prepared for your visa interview. Abhinav has been an Independent Education Consultant for the past 8 years. His students have enrolled in top institutes such as Princeton University, the University of Chicago, the London School of Economics, University College London, and the University of Toronto.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Many international students hope to launch careers in the US. Their pathways may dim under Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — Since coming from China as a teenager for boarding school, Bob Zeng has imagined building a career in the United States. But as he prepared to graduate Thursday from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it felt like the last chapter of his life in America. Zeng said he has been rethinking his plans because of the Trump administration's pledge to aggressively revoke the visas of Chinese students. Having completed a masters degree in science and management, he is thinking about moving to Europe. Or going home to China. 'I am worried about working here,' said Zeng, 30. 'You never know what's going to happen.' Many international students come to the U.S. with hopes of gaining work experience and returning to their home countries or pursuing a career in the U.S. But the administration's intensifying scrutiny of international students — and signs that formal career pathways for them may be closed — are leading some to reconsider their plans. Beyond the steps the administration already has taken — expanding the grounds for terminating students' ability to study in the U.S., adding new vetting for student visas, moving to block foreign enrollment at Harvard — a key nominee has raised the possibility of ending a program that encourages international students to stay and gain work experience. About 240,000 of the 1.1 million people on student visas in the U.S. are on Optional Practical Training — a one-year post-graduation period where they are authorized to work in fields related to their degrees. It can last up to three years for graduates in science, math and technology fields. President Donald Trump's nominee for director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said during his confirmation hearing on May 21 that he would like to see an end to post-graduate work authorization for international students. 'What I want to see would be essentially a regulatory and sub-regulatory program that would allow us to remove the ability for employment authorizations for F-1 students beyond the time that they are in school,' said Edlow, referring to the F-1 visas on which most international students attend college in the U.S. A program offers international students a foothold for careers in the US The opportunity to gain career experience at U.S. companies, especially in technology and other fields where American companies dominate, has long been a draw of studying here. Many enter the H-1B visa lottery, hoping to be selected for one of the employer-sponsored visas that offer a pathway to permanent residency in the United States. Threatening practical training opportunities would have long-term consequences for the U.S. in attracting international students, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, which represents international educators. 'We turn global talent away at our own expense,' Aw said. Like many international students, Marko, 29, finds himself glued to the news with a growing sense of alarm. His Optional Practical Training expires in a month, and he has applied for an extension but hasn't heard back, leaving him in limbo. Lawyers for the tech company where he works in New York City advised him to carry proof of his legal status in his wallet, which he finds 'dehumanizing.' 'The message being sent now is that: You are not one of us, and we are going to get rid of you,' said Marko, who asked that only his first name be used because he is worried about being targeted for removal from the country. He has lived in the U.S. for a decade spanning college and graduate school, but his family and friends back home have encouraged him to leave. His hope is that he gets the OPT extension and can then apply for an H-1B visa and continue his life in the U.S., but he also worries about anti-immigrant sentiment and who will be targeted next. Foreign students have been targeted on several fronts In his first administration, Trump floated the idea of curtailing OPT, but that did not materialize. During the campaign, he suggested he would give green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges, a sentiment that students and educators hoped would signal more welcoming policies for international talent. But since taking office his administration has cracked down on international students in several ways. In April, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began terminating the legal status of people with student visas who appeared in a database of police encounters. Many caught up in that effort were on OPT, and had to leave their jobs or risk violating laws about working without legal authorization. ICE eventually restored students' status after widespread legal challenges, but not before some chose to leave the country pre-emptively, fearing deportation. In mid-May, some recent graduates received letters threatening to terminate their status if they did not update their employment records. While the letters gave them an opportunity to fix any reporting issues, it sent another wave of uncertainty through international graduates. This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the government would move to revoke visas of Chinese students with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in 'critical' fields. Yurong 'Luanna' Jiang, a Chinese student who graduated Thursday from Harvard University, said in an interview that she had hoped to stay in the U.S. for a few years but she has been unsettled by the Trump administration's crackdown on visas. "In terms of the plan going forward, I would say everything is up in the air at this point,' said Jiang, who is now open to going anywhere in the world to work in international development. 'At this point, it's difficult to say what will happen.' ___ Gecker reported from San Francisco. Toness and Associated Press writer Michael Casey contributed from Cambridge, Massachusetts. ___ The Associated Press' education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
