Dignity Act 2025: Bipartisan Bill Allows Dual Intent for F-1 Students

(UNITED STATES) A new bipartisan bill, the DIGNITY Act of 2025, seeks to let international students apply for F-1 visas with dual intent, ending the long-standing “intent-to-leave” rule. Introduced in the House by Rep. María Elvira Salazar and Rep. Veronica Escobar, the proposal is active but not yet law.

If enacted, the bill would allow students to pursue studies, work options, and later permanent residency without fear that prior plans to stay will sink their visas. Sponsors say this change will help U.S. colleges compete and keep top graduates in growing fields.

What changes for F-1 students

• Today, consular officers deny many student visas under INA 214(b) if the applicant can’t prove plans to return home. This often means showing strong ties like property, long-term jobs, or family obligations abroad.
• The DIGNITY Act of 2025 would recognize dual intent for the F-1 category. In simple terms, students could say, “I plan to study now and may stay if I qualify later,” without risking denial based on future plans alone.
• The bill does not give automatic work permits or green cards. Students would still follow normal rules like maintaining full-time status and applying for work programs when eligible.

Practical effect at the visa interview

• Applicants would no longer need to overemphasize ties abroad to pass the interview.
• Officers could focus more on school admission, funding, and the study plan.
• A student who later files for Optional Practical Training (OPT), an H-1B job, or a green card would not be penalized just for earlier expressing interest in staying.

“Nonimmigrant intent has pushed away talented students for years,” said a senior university official who welcomed the bill’s approach. “Dual intent aligns the F-1 with our real goals: teach bright minds and keep the best.”

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the move would likely reduce refusals tied to 214(b) and provide a clearer path for graduates seeking U.S. careers.

Impact on STEM PhDs and the O-1 path

• The bill clarifies that U.S.-educated PhDs in STEM or healthcare can qualify for the O-1 category (for people with “extraordinary ability”).
• This gives top graduates a sturdier bridge to remain in the country if they meet the standard.
• Example: A physics PhD who publishes research and earns strong letters could shift from F-1 to O-1 after graduation, avoiding a forced return trip and repeat visa process abroad.

OPT taxation change

• The proposal would tax income earned during OPT from day one, including Social Security and Medicare (FICA) contributions.
• Today, many F-1 students are exempt from FICA for their first five years; the bill would remove that exemption.
• Employers would also pay their share of FICA.
• Supporters argue this levels pay and avoids incentives to hire students simply because taxes are lower. Critics say it adds a cost burden to recent grads.

Green card fast-track option

• The plan includes a paid fast-track for people stuck in long green card lines.
• Summaries vary on the fee: some cite $50,000, others $20,000. Public discussions differ on the exact figure, but the concept is a premium payment after a long wait, not an instant shortcut.
• This option does not waive eligibility checks. Applicants would still meet all rules for the category they’re in.

What doesn’t change

• Non-students still must qualify through current routes, such as employment-based categories or family sponsorship.
• The bill does not remove background checks, security screening, or school compliance rules like maintaining status in SEVIS.
• There is no automatic residency for anyone.

How this helps real students

• A student from India admitted to a master’s program often faces 214(b) concerns at the visa interview. Under dual intent, the officer can approve if the school, funding, and study plan look sound—without the student proving land ownership or a guaranteed job back home.
• A medical PhD who earns an O-1 could continue U.S. research without a break, helping hospitals and labs fill critical roles.

University and employer reactions

• Schools expect fewer denials and more predictability. Admissions teams say the U.S. can regain ground lost to Canada and the United Kingdom, which already accept future intent to stay.
• Employers welcome a clearer bridge from school to work, especially for STEM roles.
• Some worry about higher costs from OPT taxation, but many say the clarity on status outweighs the change.

Student responsibilities that remain

• Maintain full-time enrollment and good standing with the school’s international office.
• Keep a valid passport, I-20, and visa. If working on-campus or on OPT, follow all employment rules.
• File the right forms at the right time. For example, students use Form I-765 to apply for OPT. You can find Form I-765 on the official USCIS website.

Timeline and next steps

1. As of August 2025, the DIGNITY Act of 2025 is in House review.
2. The bill may change during markups or floor debate.
3. The Senate would then take it up.
4. If both chambers pass it and the President signs, agencies would write guidance and update systems before the rules take effect.

• Students planning spring or fall 2026 entry should watch updates closely.
• Schools will brief admitted students if the law passes.

Key terms in plain language

• F-1: The main student visa for academic programs in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Dual intent: You can study now and also plan for possible long-term stay if you later qualify.
• O-1: A work status for people with top skills or achievements in fields like science, business, or the arts.

Common questions

• Will dual intent make consular interviews “easy”? No. You still need a real admission, enough money for study and living costs, and truthful answers.
• Will OPT be automatic? No. You must apply, be approved, and follow all rules. If the bill passes, OPT pay would likely be taxed from day one.
• Can I skip the H-1B lottery? Not automatically. Some graduates may try for O-1 if they qualify; others will still use H-1B or other categories.

Official resources and careful reading

• For current F-1 and OPT rules, see the Department of State’s student visa page at travel.state.gov. It explains appointments, fees, and documents in plain terms.
• If the bill becomes law, expect updated agency pages and new FAQs for schools and students.

Bottom line: The DIGNITY Act of 2025 would make the F-1 a true study-to-career pathway by allowing dual intent. It doesn’t hand out green cards, but it removes a major barrier that blocks many honest applicants.

Practical advice: Build a clean record—keep your status, follow rules, and save proof of your studies and work. That paper trail will help if you later apply for the O-1, H-1B, or a green card.