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If you’re an international student aiming for study in the U.S., there are important changes proposed that could affect your plans. As your visa/immigration counsel, VKM is keeping a close eye on these developments. Here’s a breakdown — and how to navigate them. What’s Changing Fixed Maximum Duration The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed replacing the existing “Duration of Status” rule for F-1 student visas with a fixed 4-year cap. That means, under the new regulation, your visa would expire after four years, no matter how long your program is supposed to take. End of “Flexible Stay Until...

When a U.S. citizen wants to sponsor a close family member for a green card, the typical route is filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). But in certain urgent and exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to file the petition directly at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad — including in India. This path can sometimes save valuable time, but it’s important to know who qualifies, what counts as exceptional, and how the process works.   Who Can File at the Embassy? This option is available only to U.S. citizens (not permanent residents). And it applies...

On August 19, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a significant policy update that could affect thousands of foreign nationals applying for immigration benefits. Under this new guidance, USCIS officers may now consider whether an applicant has engaged in so-called “anti-American” activity when making discretionary decisions on cases. This update highlights the need for individuals and employers to be more mindful of online presence, affiliations, and public conduct when pursuing U.S. immigration benefits.   What Is Considered “Anti-American” Activity? USCIS has not issued a strict definition, but examples include: Social media posts promoting anti-American or antisemitic views. Affiliations with organizations that oppose...