New DHS Rules Mean Greater flexibility for Foreign Students, Universities

United States, 12^th May: Latest regulations by the Department of Homeland Securities becoming effective 29^th May, 2015 will bring increased flexibility for foreign students and universities.

As per the details, these will be done under the SEVP(Student and Exchange Visitor Program).

Greater flexibility for foreign students—Foreign students wanting to study in the US universities and US colleges will now enjoy more flexibility. Well, this will be possible due to new DHS(Department of Homeland Security) rules becoming effective 29^th May this year.

<blockquote> New DHS rules will usher in increased flexibility for foreign students as well as US universities soon. </blockquote>

What will be the changes?—Let us see the changes to the US regulations for foreign students.

First of all, new rules will bring to an end the current limits on the maximum intake for designated school officials to be appointed by the higher education institutes. There will be no cap on nomination of designated schools officials by the SEVP certified schools(earlier, maximum limit of 10 designated schools officials was to be followed).

Secondly, new rules will enable spouses as well as children of non immigrant students to enroll for studying at any SEVP certified school. The only condition in this regard is that such students need to enroll in less than a full-time capacity in the US.

Changes to student and Exchange Visitor Program—New rules by the DHS will make it simpler for approved schools in management of international student programs. And this will also help in creation of increased opportunities for spouses and children of foreign students to pursue coursework of limited duration.

International students in the US will get increased incentive to pursue study in the US since their children and spouses(M2 or F2 Visa holders) to get enrolled at any SEVP certified school. There will be a condition for doing so—that is—spouses and children study duration must be less than 12 credit hours defining a full-time course.

The new ruling clearly says that the DHS gives recognition that allowing access to F2 or M2 non immigrants to study in the US will assist in enhancing the quality of life for many visiting their families in the US.

Current conditions on study to dependents’ and spouses’ nonimmigrant education deters the high quality M1 and F1 students to study in the US, the ruling further elaborates.

No change in current rule of international students’ children—Meanwhile, the DHS has clarified that the current rule for children of international students to enable them get full-time education in elementary or secondary school is not changed. It is still effective.