For Indian students planning to study in the U.S., understanding the latest visa rules is just as important as choosing the right university. With Donald Trump beginning his second term as President in 2025, there are renewed questions around immigration policy. This article summarizes what Indian students at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) should keep in mind.
F-1 Student Visa Status
The F-1 visa remains active with no major changes as of 2025
Students must maintain full-time enrollment and attend all classes
You can work part-time (up to 19 hours/week) on campus
After graduation, you are eligible for 12 months of OPT
STEM OPT Remains Valid
CSP offers several STEM-designated programs (e.g., MS in Data Analytics, Computer Science)
These programs are eligible for a 24-month extension after regular OPT
Total OPT work period can go up to 36 months
Employer must be E-Verify registered
You must apply for the extension before your regular OPT ends
H-1B Visa Outlook Under Trump
H-1B remains a lottery-based visa, often used after OPT
Trump’s previous term (2017–2020) saw high denial rates and stricter scrutiny
A return to similar enforcement policies is possible in this term
STEM OPT gives Indian students up to three attempts at H-1B selection
Green Card and Long-Term Stay
The Green Card process for Indian nationals remains slow due to backlog
Most students transition from F-1 → OPT → H-1B → Green Card
Trump administration may maintain or increase employer verification and documentation checks
What Students Should Do
Choose STEM programs to increase work duration
Keep visa documents and records updated and organized
Stay in regular contact with CSP’s International Student Services (ISS)
Attend immigration webinars and sessions hosted on campus
Final Thoughts
While U.S. visa rules remain mostly stable, the return of the Trump administration may bring back stricter oversight and enforcement. Indian students at CSP should plan ahead, maintain compliance, and use CSP’s visa and legal resources to stay informed and prepared.
