By Kavita Mistry 
The number of international students choosing the US for higher education is declining.
Stricter enforcement of immigration and visa rules is one of the reasons for this decline.
US authorities are also likely to introduce new study visa regulations that may further affect students’ willingness to study in the country.
US Study Interest Drops as Stricter Visa Rules Impact International Students
Ending the Intent to Leave Rule may make it easier for foreign students to receive US study visas.
However, the introduction of fixed-term admissions could negatively impact students’ long-term academic plans in the US.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, along with twenty others, introduced the DIGNITY Act of 2025 to eliminate the “Intent to Leave” requirement.
The rule currently requires foreign students to state during the visa interview that they will return to their home country after completing their studies.
Presently, student visa applicants must prove non-immigrant intent to be granted an F-1 visa.
This includes demonstrating ties—such as property ownership—to their home country as proof they plan to return.
Visa To Be Denied if Students Can’t Prove They’ll Leave the US After Graduation
Visas can be denied if applicants fail to clearly prove they intend to leave the US after graduation.
The proposed change would remove this barrier, meaning applications would not be rejected solely based on the “intent to leave” factor.
The change does not alter requirements for students who want to remain in the US after graduation; they must still qualify for work-based or other relevant visas.
Another proposal, the Duration of Status Rule, aims to change admission periods for F, J, and I visa holders from an open “duration of status” to a fixed admission period.
Under the current system, students may stay in the US as long as they maintain legal student status.
The proposed rule would require students to leave after a fixed time, regardless of academic progress.
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreign students to work in US companies after completing studies, may be discontinued or significantly altered.
The changes may be intended to reduce incentives for US employers to hire foreign graduates.
The Department of Homeland Security listed a new OPT policy proposal on the Unified Agenda.
DHS stated that the updated rule aims to “better align practical training to the goals and objectives of the program while providing more clarity to the public.”
According to DHS, the revised rule would also address fraud concerns, protect American workers from job displacement, and strengthen national security oversight.