US Moves to Ease Student Visa Rules: Intent-to-Leave Requirement Could Be Scrapped

Washington, D.C. – For Indian students aspiring to study in the United States, the visa interview process can often be daunting. While questions about university choice, finances, and academic plans are routine, one question can cause significant anxiety: “What will you do after completing your studies?” or “Will you return to your home country after graduation?”

Under current U.S. immigration law, this is governed by the Intent to Leave rule. Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act presumes that all visa applicants might intend to settle in the U.S. permanently. To secure a student visa, applicants must convincingly demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as property ownership, family connections, or career plans, ensuring they will return after completing their studies. Failure to prove these ties often results in visa denial.

However, this could soon change. The DIGNITY Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2025, is a comprehensive immigration package aiming to modernize U.S. immigration policies. While not solely focused on student visas, the bill proposes a significant reform: removing the Intent to Leave requirement for international students.

If passed, students will no longer have to prove they will leave the U.S. after completing their degree. The legislation emphasizes that international students are not just here for cultural exchange—they should also have the opportunity to work in the U.S. post-graduation. This change would allow students to openly state their intention to seek employment in the U.S. without fear of jeopardizing their visa approval.

The DIGNITY Act also addresses broader immigration issues, including temporary protection for undocumented residents, reducing the green card backlog, and stricter regulations for foreign workers. For Indian students, the removal of the Intent to Leave requirement could make studying in the U.S. a less stressful and more flexible experience, opening doors to professional opportunities after graduation.