Asian students adjust plans after Trump’s new rules

Asian academic aspirants are closely studying the United States’ new cap of four years for international students as part of changes introduced to the country’s F1 study visa.



The F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to study in the US.



Prospective students must now recalibrate their optional stays, job searches and trips back home according to shorter timelines and stronger penalties for overstaying.



On July 16, the Trump administration finalised stricter rules for foreign students.



More than 70 per cent of international students in the US are from Asia, with most originating from China and India.



The new rules limit their stay to four years, or less, if the course is shorter.



Until now, foreign students could stay in the US as long as it took to finish their course if they adhered to other visa regulations.



The new rules will also restrict students’ ability to switch programmes or transfer between universities and colleges.