Report: U.S. visa rule may affect 420,000 Indian students
A similar 2020 Trump-era proposal did not advance
The U.S. is reportedly considering a visa policy change that would impose fixed stays for F, J and I visa holders, potentially affecting more than 420,000 Indian students.
Vishnu Rageev R is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience in business journalism. Before joining Asian Media Group in 2022, he worked with BW Businessworld, IMAGES Group, exchange4media Group, DC Books, and Dhanam Publications in India. His coverage includes industry analysis, market trends and corporate developments, focusing on retail, real estate and hospitality. As a senior journalist with Asian Hospitality, he covers the U.S. hospitality industry. He is from Kerala, a state in South India.
U.S. may impose fixed stays for F, J and I student visas, affecting more than 420,000 Indian students.
Legal experts warn it could change how “unlawful presence” is calculated.
Anxiety grows as Indian students await F-1 visa slots for Fall 2025.
THE U.S. IS reportedly considering a change to its student visa policy that could affect more than 420,000 Indian students. A proposed Department of Homeland Security rule, under review by the Office of Management and Budget, would impose fixed stays for F, J and I visa holders—covering students, exchange visitors and foreign media professionals.
If implemented, the rule would replace the “duration of status” policy, which allows students to remain while enrolled full-time, with fixed visa expiration dates, Times of India reported.
“With a visa expiration date, students would need to apply for extensions periodically,” Rajiv Khanna, Immigration.com’s managing attorney, was quoted as saying. “This would create delays, added costs and uncertainty. Given that an average extension request can take months, such regulations would increase the challenges international students face.”
According to the report, Indian students, the largest group of international students in the U.S., may be most affected. In 2024, more than 420,000 Indian nationals were enrolled in U.S. universities, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data. The proposed rule could disrupt individual academic paths and the broader education partnership between India and the U.S.
A similar proposal was introduced in 2020 under the Trump administration but did not advance, the report said. Its revival has raised concerns about a shift toward stricter visa policies.
Legal experts also warn the change may affect how “unlawful presence” is calculated. Currently, students accrue it only after a formal finding by immigration authorities. Under the new rule, overstaying, even unintentionally, could trigger it immediately.
U.S. universities and colleges have pushed back, arguing the change is based on overstated concerns about visa overstays. In 2023, the overstay rate for F, M and J visas was 3.6 percent. There also is concern about how the rule may be implemented. If DHS issues it as an interim final rule, it could bypass public comment and take effect immediately, leaving institutions and students little time to adjust.
While the final rule has yet to be published in the Federal Register, the policy direction is clear: the U.S. is reassessing the flexibility it offers international students, potentially affecting the appeal of American education.
Visa delays worry students
As the fall 2025 academic session approaches, anxiety is rising among Indian students awaiting F-1 visa interview slots. A Reddit post by a student reflected the concern.
Reddit post: “STILL NO F1 VISA SLOTS in INDIA. Guys, I am panicking so much right now. They are still not opening the visa slots in India. What do I do? My course starts August 20 and I have not even packed or bought airplane tickets. I feel so lost and hopeless right now. I don’t even have an internship or job. Does anybody have the slightest clue as to why they aren’t opening the slots?”
The post, widely shared among student communities, reflects growing frustration as thousands of admitted students await interview appointments at U.S. consulates in India. Many have August start dates but cannot proceed without a visa.
In June, the U.S. Embassy in India stated that Indian applicants for F, M, or J student visas must set their social media accounts to public before the visa interview.
Radisson Hotel Group opened 10 properties in India in 2025.
It integrates local partnerships and regional culture into its properties.
More hotels are planned in tier-2 and tier-3 leisure, business and spiritual destinations.
RADISSON HOTEL GROUP reportedly opened 10 properties in India between January and August and plans more later this year. Its expansion targets business hubs, spiritual centers and leisure destinations in tier-2 cities.
With more than 200 hotels in operation and development, the company is expanding into tier-2 and 3 cities, according to Economic Times. The expansion highlights RHG’s focus on these markets and its alignment with India’s tourism strategy.
“India is one of our fastest-growing markets globally,” said Nikhil Sharma, RHG’s managing director and COO for South Asia, according to ET. “The strong start to 2025 reflects rising travel demand and the government’s push to boost tourism. Our strategy focuses on tier-2 and 3 markets, cultural and spiritual hubs, and leisure destinations, ensuring a balanced, sustainable expansion.”
The new openings were in Gaj, Koti, Prayagraj, Jawai, Vellore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, Khopoli and Kevadia. Upcoming launches include Radisson Hotel Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Radisson Hotel Delhi MG Road in New Delhi, Radisson Resort Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Radisson RED Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Radisson Hotel Phagwara in Punjab and Radisson Resort & Spa Sasan Gir in Gujarat.
Sharma said Radisson’s growth aligns with India’s Vision 2047, supporting economic development and regional connectivity.
RHG works with local partners and integrates regional culture into its properties, keeping each destination’s character while meeting service standards, the report said. It expanded youth training in India to mark World Youth Skills Day on July 15, training more than 300 individuals for hospitality roles.
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Airbnb contributed $1.45 billion to India’s GDP in 2024, according to Oxford Economics.
Top international sources were the U.S., UK, Canada and Australia.
Non-urban destinations accounted for 16 percent of gross booking value.
AIRBNB CONTRIBUTED $1.45 BILLION to India’s GDP in 2024, supported more than 111,000 jobs and generated $308 million in wages, according to Oxford Economics. North American guests made up nearly half of international Airbnb arrivals and 4 percent of all Airbnb guests in the country.
Oxford Economics’ report, “The Economic Impact of Airbnb in India,” found domestic travelers drove growth, making up 91 percent of Airbnb guests in 2024, up from 79 percent in 2019.
Top international sources were the U.S., UK, Canada and Australia.
Airbnb accounted for 0.5 percent of India’s travel and tourism GDP and 0.2 percent of tourism employment, about one in every 417 jobs, with guest spending of $1.45 billion, the report found. Non-urban destinations made up 16 percent of gross booking value, tripling since 2019, reflecting rising interest in rural and lesser-known locations.
Employment benefits included 38,000 jobs in transport and storage, 19,600 in food and beverage, 16,800 in wholesale and retail and 10,700 in manufacturing, it said.
IHCL and Cemtac are developing a 64-key Gateway hotel in Pahalgam.
An April terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
This will be IHCL’s seventh hotel in the state, including the one under development.
TATA’S INDIAN HOTELS Co. Ltd. and Cemtac Cements are developing a 64-key Gateway hotel in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This is IHCL’s seventh hotel in statement, including the one under development.
The hotel will include a heated pool, health club and 2,000 square feet of banqueting facilities, the companies said in a statement.
“Pahalgam’s landscapes and cultural heritage make it a compelling destination across leisure, spiritual, adventure and eco-tourism segments,” said Suma Venkatesh, IHCL’s executive vice president for real estate and development. “This signing aligns with our strategy to invest in destinations with scenic appeal and a strong tourism ecosystem.”
A major terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to Pahalgam,” said Riaz Ahmad Panjra, Cemtac Cements’ managing director. “This partnership reflects our shared vision to enhance hospitality in the region while showcasing its natural and cultural richness.”
Cemtac Cements, founded in 2008, is a brand in Jammu and Kashmir. Beyond cement, Panjra owns multiple hotels in Srinagar and Pahalgam and has investments in agriculture, diversifying his business portfolio.
Trump’s 50 percent tariff on Indian goods took effect on Aug. 27.
Hospitality businesses in both countries could be hit.
U.S. treasury secretary calls the India-U.S. relationship “very complicated” but expects resolution.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S 50 percent tariff on Indian goods took effect Wednesday, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to follow the “Vocal for Local” policy and Swadeshi mantra in his Aug. 15 Independence Day address. Beyond exports such as textiles, the U.S. measure is likely to affect travel, tourism and hospitality in both countries.
The Global Trade Research Initiative told the Financial Times that Indian exports to the U.S. could fall from $86.5 billion this year to about $50 billion in 2026. Textiles, gems, jewelry, shrimp and carpets are expected to be most affected, with exports in these sectors projected to drop 70 percent, “endangering hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
Meanwhile, India also began outreach programs in 40 markets, including the UK, Japan and South Korea, to increase textile exports, Economic Times reported. Officials said 40 select markets, including the UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France and Australia, “hold the real key to diversification.” These countries import more than $590 billion in textiles and apparel annually, while India’s current share is around 5 to 6 percent.
‘Trade embargo’
The duties, 16 percentage points higher than China, 31 points higher than most Southeast Asian countries and 35 points above South Korea, have raised U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to levels Nomura described as a “trade embargo,” the Guardian reported.
However, the U.S. hotel associations, including the AAHOA and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, have not commented, though the tariffs raise costs for imported furniture, textiles and kitchen supplies. Higher costs may also increase guest prices, delay renovations and reduce profitability.
The tariff increase may also affect U.S. companies operating in India, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Choice Hotels International, all of which have announced expansion plans. Tesla recently opened an outlet in Mumbai.
‘Vocal for Local’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged traders and shopkeepers to follow the “Vocal for Local” mantra and buy Indian products, saying this will keep money within India, The Hindu reported.
“Have faith in Indian goods. If you are Indian, buy only goods made in India. Choose items made in India, by Indians,” he said at an event in Delhi. “I want to appeal to my fellow traders and shopkeepers: support me in following the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’. This will benefit the country and the money spent on the goods you sell will stay within India.”
Modi also highlighted India’s progress in manufacturing, saying 11 years ago the country imported most phones.
“Today, the majority of Indians use Made in India phones,” he said. “Each year we produce 30–35 crore mobile phones and we are also exporting them.”
On Independence Day, Modi emphasised self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat across defence and energy, with initiatives in solar, hydrogen and nuclear power. He announced a Reform Task Force to boost economic growth, reduce red tape, modernise governance and prepare India for a $10 trillion economy by 2047.
Howdy Modi backfires
Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticised Modi over the “Howdy Modi” event, saying India has suffered export losses after the U.S. imposed the double tariff.
“Modiji, remember your slogan ‘Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar’?” he wrote on X. “Today, that ‘friendship’ has cost India Rs 2.17 lakh crore in export losses as the U.S. imposes a 50 percent tariff. Your PR politics = India’s economic disaster.”
Tagore said farmers, MSMEs and exporters are bearing the brunt.
“Farmers, MSMEs and exporters are affected: textile exports from Tiruppur, Surat, and Noida face 5 lakh job losses; the gems and jewellery sector is losing 2 lakh jobs; 3 million livelihoods of Andhra Pradesh shrimp farmers are at risk,” he said. “All due to Modi’s failed diplomacy and slogans abroad.”
‘U.S.-India will unite’
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the India-U.S. relationship as “very complicated” but expressed hope that “at the end of the day, we will come together.”
“President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have good relationships at that level,” he said in an interview with Fox Business. “And it’s not just over Russian oil. India is the world’s largest democracy, and the U.S. is the world’s largest economy. I think at the end of the day, we will come together.”
The former Marriott executive received the Bharat Gaurav award.
The appointment follows the Accor-InterGlobe joint venture formed earlier this year.
Ranju Alex is Accor Ltd.’s new CEO for South Asia, which includes India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. She will lead the company’s business and growth strategy in the subcontinent.
Alex, who joined Marriott International in 2010, served as regional vice president for South Asia, overseeing 170 hotels. The appointment follows the formation of the Accor-InterGlobe joint venture earlier this year, led by Chairman Gaurav Bhushan, to open 300 Accor hotels in India by 2030.
“We are pleased to welcome Ranju to the Accor and InterGlobe family,” said Bhushan. “She brings deep experience, skills, and relationships to our business, and we look forward to building a leading hospitality platform in the region under her leadership.”
Alex began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and held leadership roles at Marriott for more than three decades. She received the Bharat Gaurav award for her contributions to the industry.
“I am delighted to be joining Accor, a company with a comprehensive portfolio of brands in the region,” she said. “It is an honor to take on this role and deliver the Group’s vision in South Asia.”
Accor operates more than 70 hotels in the region and has more than 30 in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, the Accor/Interglobe JV is the exclusive growth platform for the brand’s portfolio in India, focusing on expansion and services for Indian travelers. InterGlobe, parent of IndiGo, is led by Group Managing Director Rahul Bhatia.