US Student Visa Rules May Tighten: Stricter Interviews, No Course Changes Allowed

The United States may soon make it harder for international students to obtain and maintain student visas, following proposed legislation aimed at tightening oversight and preventing misuse of the system.

Student Visa Integrity Act Introduced
A Republican lawmaker, Brandon Gill, has introduced the Student Visa Integrity Act, which seeks to strengthen monitoring of student visa programs and curb visa fraud and overstays. According to Gill, weaknesses in the current system have posed risks to national security. He emphasized, “Studying in America is a privilege, not a right. Unfortunately, the system designed around the American Dream is being misused by fraudulent actors.”

Key Proposed Changes
The bill outlines several major changes:

• Stricter visa interviews: Only students with genuine intent to study will be granted visas.
• Course change restrictions: Students will no longer be allowed to switch courses during their studies.
• Visa duration linked to course completion: The visa will expire upon the official end date of the program, reducing the risk of overstaying.
• Penalties for universities and officials: Institutions or officials involved in visa fraud could face jail time, and the university may be barred from participating in federal student visa programs, effectively stopping foreign admissions.
• Restriction on students from certain countries: Citizens of countries considered hostile by the US may be barred from studying in American institutions.
• Mandatory disclosure of foreign ties: Colleges and universities must disclose any financial or institutional relationships with the Chinese government, with similar requirements being considered for other countries like Iran.

Implications for International Students
If passed, the law will make the student visa process more stringent, limiting flexibility for international students. Applicants will face tougher interviews, reduced opportunities to switch programs, and tighter monitoring of their visa status throughout their studies. Universities will also face increased compliance responsibilities and potential penalties for violations.

The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort by the US government to ensure the integrity of its student visa programs and prioritize national security while regulating foreign student enrollment.