Changes in Visa rules for Indian students moving to the US/UK

India is the largest source of international students in the US — approximately 3.6 lakh students. The policy environment has shifted considerably, and Indian applicants need to go in with eyes open.

1. End of "Duration of Status" (D/S) — the biggest proposed change The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed replacing the long-standing Duration of Status system for F-1 and J-1 visas with a fixed validity period model. Under D/S, students could stay for the full length of their programme. If adopted, students would instead receive a fixed expiration date and need to file periodic extensions. The rule is under White House review and could take effect as early as September 2026. If you are currently in the US on D/S status, consult your Designated School Official before travelling abroad — you may be re-admitted under the new fixed-period model on your return.

2. Social Media Vetting Now Required All student visa applicants are now subject to social media background checks. Posts or reactions that display hostility toward the US, its government, or its people can result in visa denial. The US Embassy in India issued a formal advisory on this in January 2026. Review your public profiles carefully before applying.

3. New $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Proposed) A new mandatory visa integrity fee of $250 has been proposed to fund increased vetting and oversight. Implementation guidelines have not yet been finalised, but budget for this on top of the existing SEVIS I-901 fee of approximately $350.

4. OPT and STEM OPT Under Increased Scrutiny Federal agencies are actively considering stricter compliance requirements for CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT — including tighter job-duty checks, training plan audits, E-Verify compliance, and reporting obligations. A rule restricting or ending STEM OPT has been discussed but has not yet been enacted. The core F-1 visa, OPT (12 months), and STEM OPT extension (up to 3 years) remain legally intact as of mid-2026 — but this is an area to watch closely.

5. Visa Rejection Rate Has Spiked Visa rejection rates for Indian students reached approximately 63% in 2025, reflecting stricter screening, increased background checks, and more rigorous financial documentation requirements. This is not the environment to submit a hastily prepared application.

6. Stricter Entry Screening and Interview Checks Document checks at US ports of entry have intensified significantly. Be prepared to articulate a clear, time-bound academic and post-graduation plan. Possible restrictions on changing majors or programmes in the first academic year are also under consideration.

Key Takeaway — US: Monitor the D/S rule proposal closely. Prepare social media profiles for scrutiny. Document quality matters more than ever given the rejection rate. If admitted, begin thinking about extension timelines early.

The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian students, particularly for one-year master's programmes. Unlike the US, most UK changes in 2026 are confirmed and already in effect — not just proposals.

1. Graduate Route Cut from 2 Years to 18 Months (From January 2027) This is the most strategically important change for anyone planning a 2026 intake. From 1 January 2027, bachelor's and taught master's graduates will receive 18 months of post-study work rights instead of the current 2 years. PhD graduates retain their 3-year Graduate Route visa. The timing is critical: a September 2026 starter graduating in summer 2027 falls under the new 18-month rule. A 2025 starter finishing before the cutoff gets the full 2 years. If post-study work duration matters to you, factor this into your programme and intake selection.

2. Immigration Health Surcharge Up 65% The IHS jumped from £470 to £776 per year, effective January 2026. For a standard one-year master's (typically issued as a 16-month visa), you pay for two full years upfront — that's £1,552. Many families and students budgeted on the old rate. This is a significant gap that needs to be closed before you apply.

3. Student Visa Fee Raised to £558 From 8 April 2026, the visa application fee rose from £524 to £558 — approximately ₹60,000 at current exchange rates. When combined with the IHS and TB test costs, total visa-related upfront expenses now frequently exceed ₹1.5 lakh before tuition is even considered.

4. No Dependants for Most Students) students on taught postgraduate programmes (MSc, MBA, MA) and all undergraduate programmes cannot bring spouses or children to the UK. Dependants are only permitted for PhD, MPhil, or MRes students, and for government-sponsored scholars such as Chevening and GREAT Scholarship recipients. This is a non-negotiable restriction and a critical factor for married Indian students or those with families.

5. Higher Financial Maintenance Requirements Students must now demonstrate £1,334 per month in London or £1,023 per month outside London, held for up to 9 months. These funds must be held in a verified account for at least 28 consecutive days before your visa application date. These thresholds have been revised upward and the documentation standard is strict.

6. Tighter English Language Requirements Minimum IELTS and English proficiency score requirements have been raised for certain university pathways. Aim for IELTS. Academic 6.5 or above as a baseline, with many institutions — particularly Russell Group universities — requiring higher. Start preparation well ahead of application deadlines.

Key Takeaway — UK: If post-study work duration matters, plan your graduation timing around the January cutoff. Revise your financial budget upward — fees have risen significantly. If you are married or have children, only a PhD or research programme allows you to bring dependants.

Both destinations require thorough, accurate documentation. Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork is among the most common causes of delays and rejections.

• I-20 (US) / CAS Letter (UK): Your official acceptance document from the institution. You cannot apply without this.
• Financial Evidence: Bank statements, loan sanction letters, scholarship letters. UK requires funds held for 28 consecutive days. US requires proof of ability to cover full tuition and living costs.
• Academic Transcripts and Certificates: All degrees, mark sheets, and provisional certificates. Ensure originals match submitted copies exactly — any mismatch invites delays.
• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Check this well in advance.
• English Language Test Scores: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Verify the minimum required by your specific institution and programme.
• TB Test Certificate (UK only): Mandatory for UK visas exceeding 6 months. Must be from a UKVI-approved clinic in India.
• Statement of Purpose / Study Plan: Clearly explain your academic goals, why this programme, and your plans post-graduation. Especially important for US visa interviews.
• Social Media Audit (US): New in 2026 — review your public profiles before applying. Remove or restrict any content that could be misread as hostile toward the US.

Start very early. Interview slots in India fill up fast. Apply for your visa as soon as you receive your I-20 or CAS — ideally 3 to 4 months before your programme start date.

Zero tolerance for inconsistencies. Any mismatch between documents — dates, names, amounts, addresses — can derail your application. Audit everything before submission.

Revise your budget. The UK IHS increase alone adds roughly ₹70,000 to ₹1 lakh to your costs. Many families are working off outdated figures. Recalculate with current fee structures.

Time your UK graduation strategically. If post-study work duration matters, plan to apply for the Graduate Route before 31 December secure 2 full years rather than 18 months.

Audit your social media before applying to the US. Consular officers check public profiles. Review posts, likes, and reactions — not just your own content.

Monitor rule changes regularly. The D/S proposal in the US for finalise. Subscribe to USCIS and UK Home Office updates.