15 pc decline in Indian students seeking admission to undergraduate courses in US: Report

In July, the US government announced new rules eliminating the traditional “duration of status” for student and visitor visas, capping stays at 4 years, which is the usual duration of an academic course.

The US is also considering a USD 100,000 fee on foreign students who wish to use the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme to work in the US after their graduation.

OPT allows foreign nationals who enter the United States on a student visa to work in the US for 12, or in some cases 24, months. It also allows students to transition to an H-1B visa sponsored by employers.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. (PTI)