The United States has introduced stricter rules for international student visas, replacing the long-standing “duration of status” policy with fixed admission periods. The new regulation will take effect on September 15. The changes will affect F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, universities, and employers across the country.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), most F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will receive a maximum four-year admission period. Students requiring additional time must apply directly to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for visa extensions instead of relying on their educational institutions.
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The new regulation, published by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 17, ends policies introduced in 1978 and 1979. DHS said the revised framework strengthens immigration oversight, improves monitoring of foreign students, and helps prevent misuse of the student visa system.
However, universities and immigration experts have expressed concern over the new policy. They argue that many doctoral and undergraduate programmes require more than four years to complete. Experts also warned that transferring extension requests to USCIS could increase administrative burdens and processing delays.
The changes also affect Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT participants. Work authorisation periods will now count toward the four-year admission limit. Additionally, graduates may need USCIS approval to continue working legally after reaching their admission deadline.
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The regulation shortens the post-graduation grace period from 60 days to 30 days. It also limits students’ ability to change majors, academic programmes, or education levels during their studies. Employers hiring international graduates are expected to face greater uncertainty due to additional compliance and immigration requirements.
Education experts believe the stricter rules could reduce international student enrolment in the United States, particularly from India and China. Students are being encouraged to prepare alternative immigration strategies and discuss long-term sponsorship plans with employers well before graduation.