The number of international students choosing the United States as a study destination has been steadily declining due to tighter immigration enforcement and stricter visa scrutiny under recent U.S. policies. In response to growing concerns, lawmakers have introduced the DIGNITY Act of 2025, a proposed reform that aims to eliminate the long-standing “Intent to Leave” rule that currently affects foreign students applying for F-1 visas.
While the proposed repeal could make it easier for students to secure U.S. study visas, another suggested change involving fixed-term admissions may introduce new challenges for international students.
What Is the DIGNITY Act of 2025?
The DIGNITY Act of 2025 has been jointly introduced by Congresswomen María Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, along with a bipartisan group of 20 co-sponsors. A key component of the bill is the proposal to eliminate the “Intent to Leave” requirement, which presently forces international students to prove they will return to their home country after completing their studies.
If passed, the Act could significantly reshape how student visa applications are evaluated in the U.S.
Understanding the ‘Intent to Leave’ Rule
At present, F-1 visa applicants must demonstrate non-immigrant intent, meaning they are required to:
- Declare plans to leave the U.S. after finishing their education
- Show strong ties to their home country
- Provide evidence such as property ownership, family connections, or employment prospects
Failure to clearly prove intent to return often leads to visa denials, even for academically qualified students.
The proposed repeal under the DIGNITY Act would remove this specific barrier, meaning future student visa decisions would no longer be based solely on a student’s declared intention to leave the U.S. after graduation.
However, it is important to note that this change does not provide automatic permission to stay in the U.S. after studies. Students who wish to remain must still qualify for appropriate employment-based or other legal immigration categories.
Fixed-Term Admissions: A New Challenge
Alongside the proposed repeal, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suggested a regulatory shift that could impact student stay limits. The proposal seeks to change student admissions from:
- “Duration of Status” → Fixed Time Period
Currently, “duration of status” allows students to remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain valid student status. Under the proposed system, students would instead be admitted for a specific, pre-determined time frame, after which they must exit the country—even if their academic program is still ongoing.
This change would apply to holders of F, J, and I visas and could create uncertainty for students facing:
- Program extensions
- Research delays
- Medical or academic interruptions
Impact on International Students
If implemented together, these two policy changes could have mixed outcomes:
Potential Benefits
- Easier visa approvals without “intent to return” pressure
- Reduced rejection based solely on immigration suspicion
- Improved confidence among international applicants
Possible Challenges
- Strict exit deadlines under fixed-term admission
- Increased paperwork for extensions
- Greater uncertainty for long-term academic programs
What Students Should Know
- The DIGNITY Act of 2025 is still a proposal, not yet law
- Fixed-term admissions are still under regulatory review
- Existing F-1 rules remain in effect until formal changes are passed
- Students must still follow all post-study visa procedures for legal stay
Conclusion
The DIGNITY Act of 2025 represents a significant step toward easing one of the most restrictive aspects of U.S. student visa policy. The removal of the Intent to Leave rule could encourage more international students to consider U.S. education once again. However, the proposed shift to fixed-term admissions may introduce new uncertainties that students will need to navigate carefully.
As reforms continue to evolve, international applicants should stay informed, seek proper guidance, and plan well in advance.
