Academics are concerned about the new F1 visa rule where a PhD cannot be completed in four years.
The new four-year policy for F-1 students finalized by the Donald Trump administration on Thursday led to significant confusion among academics as experts questioned how doctoral students are supposed to complete their studies in four years.
International students will henceforth have a visa validity of four years. They will have to request an extension of their visa from the State Department and USCIS will grant the extension after another round of screening, background checks, fraud reviews, etc.Andreas Karsch, a professor at the University of Texas-Austin, said it is impossible to finish a doctorate in 4 years. “How difficult is it to get an extension? Will any foreigner still come to the United States to obtain a doctorate degree in science or engineering?”
Rudi Bachmann, a professor at the University of Michigan, said it was over for American research.This new policy is a disaster, said Arvind Satyanarayan, an assistant professor of Indian origin at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “A PhD in computer science takes 5 to 6 years on average. Therefore, my international students will lose their status before finishing their research program. It is a disaster.”
Maya Sen, a professor at Harvard Kennedy School, said the new rule creates uncertainty for international doctoral students in the United States. “You may be accepted for a PhD but then have your visa extension application rejected between years 4 and 5.”
What are the big changes to the F-1 visa?
- The visa will be valid for four years, not an indefinite period.
- Students will have to submit an extension of stay, which may require new biometrics.
- Undergraduate students must complete a full year before transferring schools.
- Graduate students cannot change schools or programs.
- It is not possible to enroll in any course to remain in the United States. Many H-1B visa holders also choose certain courses to remain valid in the United States. But it has to be a higher level program. The new rules effectively expire on the first day of CPT.
- After receiving the degree, students have only 30 days to remain in the United States. They must leave if their extension is not granted.
