USA Student Visa New Rules & Policies 2024

Life in the USA is a magnet. Every year, it attracts thousands of aspirants towards its quality education, enticing career prospects and modern developments. For decades, students come to study in the USA from different parts of the world. It cannot be denied that Indians, too, slope towards the lure named the US. We now form about 25% of the USA’s international student population. The number keeps increasing at an impressive rate over the years. In return, the government resiliently associate with developments to improve the overall experience. From the visa process to transportation to continuous learning support and environment, the US keeps renovating in all aspects.

Recently, the USA introduced changes in the student visa application process. Notably, the changes mention F (academic students), M (non-academic or vocational students) and J (exchange students). As per the revised rules, all applicants applying for these visas must use their own passport details while applying for their visas. Not only will their appointments be cancelled but they will also get no refund against the visa application fee paid. Clearly, it is time for students and study abroad consultants to pay, quite literally, more attention to the details.

What led to this change?

It is said that these changes are implemented to curtail fraud and the misuse of the current appointment system. As the USA attracts a recordable number of students from all over the globe, it was crucial to regulate the integrity of the visa application process. Coupled with the new policies in place, the US is expecting enhanced security against fraudulent activities that have risen over the years.

How to succeed in applying for a student visa?

Applicants facing rejections on their application must take corrective measures. Explicitly, there are two ways they could successfully apply for a visa to study in the USA. If they spot the error in their existing profile, they could remedy the situation and proceed with a new appointment at their closest Visa Application Center (VAC). Secondly, they could build a new profile with their personal information and details as mentioned in their passport.

Can students apply with a recently renewed passport?

Yes, students can apply with a recently renewed passport. In case of theft or misplacement, applicants can use their renewed passports to apply for their visas. However, this can only be done as long as they can present a photocopy of their old passport. Likewise, they can present a document to support their claim.

Does this change anything for visa holders?

As per the report published by Open Doors in 2022-2023, the US roofs approximately 2.68 lakh Indian students. The revised rules and policies are only applicable to the candidates applying for a new visa. In fact, the Department of State authorised previous visa experience holders to skip through the visa interview process. In effect, students already studying in the US can study and work on their current type of visa. Updating information wherever they can is advisable.

Additionally, students with F1 visas can now work for up to 20 hours a week during their term period.

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