U.S. Congress Proposes Scrapping “Intent to Leave” Requirement for F-1 Student Visas
A major shift in U.S. student visa policy is on the horizon. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the DIGNITY Act of 2025, proposing to eliminate the longstanding requirement that F‑1 student visa applicants demonstrate their intent to leave the United States after completing their studies. If passed, this would allow applicants to assert dual intent—to remain in the U.S. after graduation or return home.
Background & Current Rules
Under current U.S. immigration regulations, students applying for F‑1 visas must prove they intend to temporarily stay in the U.S. and maintain a residence abroad they do not plan to abandon . This requirement aims to distinguish student applicants from immigrants seeking permanent residence.
The U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual clarifies that, while students must have a present intent to depart, it’s recognized that their plans may change, and this should not be a basis for denial . Moreover, recent updates from USCIS reaffirm this requirement, even granting some flexibility for students who are beneficiaries of permanent labor certifications or immigrant petitions .
What the DIGNITY Act Proposes
Introduced by Congresswomen María Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, alongside about 20 co-sponsors, the DIGNITY Act of 2025 would formally permit F‑1 visa applicants to claim dual intent—that is, they may intend to stay in the U.S. after their studies or return home without jeopardizing visa eligibility .
The bill also addresses opportunities for exceptional graduates in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and healthcare. Doctoral degree holders in these fields could directly access O visas (for individuals with extraordinary ability) without being compelled to return home first .
Additional provisions include proposals to tax OPT workers’ earnings and a “fast-track” green card path via a significant administrative fee of $50,000—but those are outside the core visa-intent focus .
Implications & Significance
If enacted, this legislation would represent a fundamental change in how the U.S. evaluates student visa applicants—moving from a strictly nonimmigrant framework toward one that more clearly accommodates transitions to work and potentially permanent residency.
For Ghanaian and other African students seeking advanced education abroad, this change could reduce visa rejections based on perceived intent and ease transitions to employment or further stay in the U.S.
However, it remains speculative until the bill passes both chambers of Congress and is signed into law. Even then, students who ultimately wish to remain in the U.S. must still qualify under relevant immigration categories—they cannot simply remain without proper authorization .
Conclusion
The DIGNITY Act of 2025 reflects growing recognition of the value international students bring to the U.S.—particularly in high-demand research and healthcare sectors. Removing the “Intent to Leave” requirement aligns with broader trends toward greater flexibility in immigration policy—but whether it will pass remains to be seen.