The United States is preparing to offer major relief to international students as the controversial ‘Intent to Leave’ requirement for F-1 student visas is likely to be abolished soon. Under the existing rule, students must prove that they will return to their home country after completing their graduation in the U.S. However, the proposed Dignity Act 2025 seeks to eliminate this clause in the F-1 visa issuance process. The bill must be approved by both the House and Senate before it is sent to President Donald Trump for signature.
A large number of F-1 visa applications are currently being rejected on the basis of the ‘Intent to Leave’ rule. As part of the process, applicants are required to prove their strong ties to their home country by showing evidence such as property ownership or confirmed employment opportunities. This provision has been widely considered a burden, especially for Indian students, and has significantly contributed to a sharp decline in the number of F-1 visas issued to Indians this year. Authorities admit that most rejections have occurred because applicants were unable to sufficiently prove their intent to return home.
The removal of this requirement is expected to make the U.S. a more attractive destination for international education. The Trump administration believes that withdrawing the ‘Intent to Leave’ rule will lead to a substantial rise in the number of foreign students choosing to pursue higher education in American universities in the coming years.