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The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule that could bring an end to the “duration of status” system for foreign students. If approved, those on F visas would no longer be able to stay in the US for the full length of their academic program without filing for an extension. Instead, they would be admitted for a fixed period of up to four years, after which they must apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for more time.Currently, students can continue their stay as long as their program runs, with universities able to extend it by issuing an updated Form I-20. The new system would remove this flexibility and require fresh applications, biometric submissions, and USCIS review if programs last longer than the fixed period.New 'fixed period of stay' limit for visasFor F-1 students, the maximum stay would be four years, including optional practical training, followed by a 30-day grace period. This is shorter than the current 60-day grace period. English language students would be allowed a maximum of 24 months, while public high school students would be limited to 12 months, as reported by Fragomen.The rule also restricts changes in academic programs. Undergraduate F-1 students would not be allowed to switch majors during their first year except in special cases. Graduate students would not be able to change their program or level of study at all.Students could also face risks if they travel while an extension application is pending, as it may be treated as an abandoned request. The proposal further states that past visa rulings will not be given deference, which could result in more scrutiny and denials even for repeat applicants.Consequences on staying beyond visa periodCurrently, unlawful presence for F visa holders begins only when immigration authorities find a violation. Under the new rule, unlawful presence would start immediately after the fixed admission period ends. This would increase the risk of overstaying, as even short delays could trigger re-entry bans of three or ten years.The removal of deference to earlier approvals means that even students who had their extensions approved in the past could face more questions, additional paperwork, and possible denials in the future. This adds uncertainty to study plans and increases administrative challenges.What this meansIf implemented, the rule will bring more paperwork, higher costs, and possible delays for students and universities. Academic institutions are expected to raise concerns during the 30-day public comment period, as the changes could affect the US higher education sector’s ability to attract and retain international students.Other changes to US visa rules in 2025Starting October 1, 2025, most applicants for US non-immigrant visas, including student (F, J, M), work, and visitor visas will be required to pay an additional $250 “Visa Integrity Fee,” adding significantly to the cost of visa application.This came on top of stricter screening rules, applicants for academic or exchange visas (F, M, J) must make their social media profiles public and disclose usernames from the past five years. Consular officers may review posts and activity as part of the vetting process.Also, interview waivers will be restricted, from September 2, 2025, more applicants, including renewals, will be required to appear in person at consulates or embassies, increasing travel and scheduling challenges.Currently, more than 330,000 Indians are enrolled in US universities, comprising about 30% of the overseas students in the country.

Indian banks are cautiously optimistic about a recovery in their net interest margins (NIMs) in the latter half of the financial year, following a challenging start in the April-June quarter, news agency ANI reported on August 28 based on a recent report by S&P Global.India's banking sector, as a whole, had a mixed performance during the first quarter of FY26, with earnings dragged down by a sharp reduction in interest rates. The first quarter saw a notable decline in net income for four of the six major Indian banks, largely attributed to the fall in interest rates.It may be noted here that the RBI has implemented a total cut of 100 basis points to the benchmark interest rates since the beginning of 2025, aimed at fostering economic growth. This move has put pressure on banks' earnings, as they navigate a landscape of lower interest income.Among the major banks, State Bank of India (SBI) managed to report a net profit of Rs 21,201 crore, a year-on-year increase of 9.7%. ICICI Bank showed resilience with a 15.9% rise in profit after tax, reaching Rs 13,558 crore.In a marked contrast, other significant banks such as Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank, as well as private sector biggies like HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, saw declines in their net income during this period.The decline in margins was evident across the sector. SBI reported a NIM of 2.77%, down from 2.99% the previous year, while HDFC Bank's NIM fell to 3.94% from 4.06%. Punjab National Bank also faced challenges, with its NIM decreasing from 2.76% to 2.43%.These figures indicate a tightening environment for banks as they adjust to the new interest rate landscape.In a bid to bolster liquidity in the banking system, the RBI made a significant adjustment on June 6 by lowering the cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 100 basis points to 3.0%. This adjustment is expected to inject approximately Rs 2.5 lakh crore into the system by December, providing banks with additional resources to manage their operations and support lending activities.While some banks reported a slight deterioration in asset quality and increased provisioning for potential loan losses, analysts from S&P Global remain optimistic. They do not foresee a sharp rise in non-performing loans, which currently sit at multiyear lows, suggesting that the overall health of the banking sector may remain stable despite the pressures faced in the first quarter.