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For students, there are two kinds of visas, F-1 and M-1. Those looking to study in the US full-time can apply for either of the visas.
The newly introduced H-1B visa rules offer relief to students in the US on F-1 visas (Representative/File Photo)
The US administration has announced significant changes to the H-1B visa programme with the aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in recruiting foreign talent in the US. Indians constitute the largest group of H-1B visa holders. Of the 386,000 H-1B visas granted in 2023, as many as 72.3 per cent were awarded to Indians. According to experts, Indian tech professionals are poised to benefit substantially from these revisions.
However, Donald Trump has now directed to end birthright citizenship for children of non-permanent residents. This means that the children born to those who are on temporary work visas in the US will no longer be counted as citizens there. So what are the options for Indian students now?
What Is H-1B Visa?
A non-immigrant visa, the H-1B visa enables US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers including Indians. The duration of the visa in the initial period is three years and could be extended up to six years.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the objectives for modernising the H-1B visa programme includes clarifying programme requirements, boosting efficiency, providing increased benefits and offering flexibility to petitioners and beneficiaries.
Benefits For F-1 Visa Holders
For students, there are two kinds of visas, F-1 and M-1. Those looking to study in the US full-time can apply for either of the visas. The F-1 visa is for students who want to study English at an English language institute. The M-1 visa is for students who want to study vocational or non-academic subjects in the US.
There is often an opportunity to transition to an H-1B visa after the completion of studies. This transition can typically occur through the Optical Practical Training (OPT) programme, available to holders of an F-1 or M-1 visa. This allows foreign students to have the opportunity of working in the US for the next few years.
Students here are at an advantage. The newly introduced H-1B visa rules offer relief to students in the US on F-1 visas. During the H-1B visa application review, their F-1 visas will be automatically extended until April 1, preventing disruptions to their legal status and employment authorisation.
