Trump administration sets firm visa stay limits for foreign students (representational image)
The United States has reformed its student visa framework, replacing the decades-old “duration of status” (D/S) system with specific admission periods for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors.According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the changes are intended to reduce visa abuse, strengthen security controls, and increase federal oversight of international students.The new rules, which will come into effect on September 15, set a four-year maximum stay for most students, shorten the post-study grace period and require government approval for extensions beyond the authorized period of stay.These changes are especially important for Indian students, who now constitute the largest international student community in the United States.More than 3.6 lakh Indians were enrolled in US universities during the 2024-25 academic year, many of them pursuing master’s, doctoral, and STEM programs that often span more than four years.While DHS says the new framework will improve monitoring of foreign students, universities and higher education groups have warned that additional paperwork and more stringent timelines could create uncertainty for students pursuing longer academic programs.
Major rule changes
The fixed admission period of four years replaces the “term of status”
Under the new rules, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will no longer be allowed to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic program without a specific end date.Instead, they will be accepted for the duration of their programme, subject to a maximum period of four years. Students whose coursework extends beyond that period will need to obtain approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to continue their studies.
Current students will also move to the new system
International students who are already in the United States under the old “duration of status” framework will automatically transition to the new rules. Their authorized stay will also be subject to the four-year limit from the effective date of the rule.
Additions will require USCIS approval.
Students who need additional time to complete their studies will need to submit an application for an extension of stay to USCIS. The process includes biometrics, background checks, additional vetting, and a transfer of authority from universities to the federal government.
The grace period after the study was reduced to 30 days
The grace period after completion of the study was reduced from 60 days to 30 days. During this period, students must either leave the United States, transfer to another institution, change their visa status, or take steps related to Optional Practical Training (OPT), where applicable.
Stricter rules regarding academic changes
The rule also imposes stricter controls on changing majors, expanding academic programs and pursuing another degree, requiring greater government oversight than under the previous regime.
Why are universities asking students to return before September 15?
Several universities, including Columbia University, have advised international students currently outside the United States to return before the new rules take effect on September 15.Doing so could help students avoid complications as the immigration system transitions from the old “duration of status” framework to the new fixed-term admission model, institutions say.
Why do educational groups care?
The Department of Homeland Security says the new framework will restore integrity to the immigration system and prevent abuse of student visas.However, organizations such as NAFSA and the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) say the changes could disproportionately affect students enrolled in longer programmes, including doctorates and research-intensive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses.They also warn that additional government approvals could increase uncertainty, delay research, and make the United States a less attractive destination for international talent.
