Trump's New US Immigration Rules Explained | Student Visas, Green Cards & H-1B Changes

[00:00:22]The United States has introduced a series of immigration policy changes in 2026 that could affect international students, skilled workers, and green card applicants.

[00:00:33]The measures include a new approach to the public charge rule, fixed time limits for certain student visas, higher premium processing fees, and a proposal to raise H-1B wage requirements.

[00:00:46]For thousands of Indian students and professionals planning to study, work, or settle in the US, these changes could influence visa timelines, costs, and long-term immigration plans.

[00:01:03]Public charge concept has existed in US immigration law for more than a century.

[00:01:08]It allows immigration authorities to deny certain immigration benefits, such as a green card or visa, if an applicant is considered likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance.

[00:01:20]However, Congress never provided a detailed definition of what constitutes a public charge, leaving different administrations to interpret the policy differently over the years.

[00:01:37]On July 17th, the Trump administration finalized a rule that removes the Biden-era regulatory definition of public charge. Unlike the first Trump administration's 2019 regulation, the new rule does not establish a detailed list of factors immigration officers must use.

[00:01:55]Instead, it removes the formal definition from federal regulations and gives US Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS broader discretion to interpret the law through future agency guidance. USCIS is expected to release additional instructions for immigration officers, although it remains unclear how much of that guidance will be made public.

[00:02:23]During President Trump's first term, the administration expanded how immigration officials evaluated whether someone could become a public charge. Officials were encouraged to consider whether applicants had used or could potentially qualify for certain public benefits such as food assistance or health programs.

[00:02:42]The rule generated widespread concern among immigrant families, many of whom avoided benefits they were legally eligible to receive.

[00:02:50]Although the rule was in effect only briefly before being reversed by the Biden administration, it significantly increased paperwork and created uncertainty for many green card applicants. The newly announced policy does not automatically restore the 2019 framework, but leaves future interpretation largely in the hands of USCIS.

[00:03:18]One of the biggest immigration changes affects international students.

[00:03:24]Beginning September 15th, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security will replace the long-standing duration of status DS system with fixed admission periods for F1 student visas, J1 exchange visitor visas, I visas for foreign media representatives.

[00:03:46]Previously, students could remain in the US for as long as they maintained valid student status and continued their academic program.

[00:03:54]Under the new policy, students will generally receive permission to stay only for the length of their academic program with an initial maximum stay of 4 years.

[00:04:05]Students whose programs extend beyond 4 years, including many PhD, medical, and research degrees, must apply to USCIS for an extension of stay.

[00:04:20]>> The rule also reduces the post-graduation grace period for F1 students.

[00:04:26]Instead of having 60 days after completing their studies, graduates will now have only 30 days to leave the United States, transfer to another school, change immigration status, complete required optional practical training OPT procedures.

[00:04:46]Universities have also indicated that future requests involving program extensions, changes of major, or additional degrees may receive closer federal review than before.

[00:05:03]The policy will not affect only new applicants.

[00:05:07]Students already studying in the US under the previous duration of status system will also transition into the new framework after September 15th, making their authorized stay subject to the new rules. Those seeking extensions beyond the 4-year limit will be required to submit applications to USCIS, complete biometric screening, and undergo additional review.

[00:05:35]USCIS has also increased premium processing fees for several immigration categories. Effective March 1st, 2026, premium processing for many employment-based petitions, including H-1B visas, will increase from $2,805 to $2,965.

[00:05:57]The agency said the adjustment reflects inflation between June 2023 and June 2025. While premium processing remains optional, the increase raises costs for employers and foreign workers seeking faster immigration decisions.

[00:06:18]The administration has also proposed raising minimum wage requirements for H-1B workers by approximately 30% across multiple wage levels.

[00:06:29]Officials say the proposal is intended to better protect American workers and modernize wage standards that have remained largely unchanged for years. If finalized, higher salary thresholds could increase hiring costs for employers and potentially influence future sponsorship decisions for foreign professionals.

[00:06:54]The 2026 immigration changes represent one of the most significant shifts in US immigration policy in recent years.

[00:07:03]While several rules have already taken effect, others, including guidance on the new public charge standard and proposed H-1B wage increases, continue to evolve.

[00:07:14]For prospective immigrants, students, and employers, staying informed and monitoring future USCIS guidance will be essential as these policies are implemented.

[00:08:08]>> Mhm.