UGC mandates strict adherence to Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 while admitting foreign students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all higher educational institutions (HEIs) to ensure strict compliance with foreign student registration requirements under the newly enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

The UGC mandated submission of timely and accurate details of incoming foreign students to the Registration Officer through Form-II.

“Every university and educational institution or any other institution admitting anv foreigner shall furnish information to the Registration Officer in respect of such foreigner in such manner as may be prescribed.”

It further explains that institutions, including schools and those admitting Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, must submit student information electronically through Form-II using the designated online portal or mobile application. This rule also applies to students staying in hostels, the UGC notice added.

UGC on foreign students

The UGC has stressed that Form-II is a crucial compliance document under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 and the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025. “It enables institutions to meet Indian immigration requirements and supports national security oversight of foreign students,” the notice added.

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All universities and educational institutions admitting foreign students are therefore required to follow the prescribed timelines for submitting Form-II, including information related to students residing in hostels, with the template attached for use by HEIs.

Form-II requires HEIs to submit essential information, including:

• Basic student identification like Passport number, Visa/OCI number, nationality, contact details, address in India
• Admission and course details (within 24 hours of admission) such as course name, pattern (semester/non-semester/short-term), duration and dates
• FRRO registration information
• Academic status (semester-wise essentials) like attendance, exam status, result, conduct, eligibility to continue
• Exit details (within 24 hours of exit/completion) including date of exit, whether completed, discontinued or terminated, and reason

The UGC has provided institutions with the Form II template, formerly known as ‘Form A’ under earlier immigration provisions, and has called for strict adherence to the timelines to ensure compliance with the new framework.