The White House is close to making a decision on a proposed rule that could change how long foreign students are allowed to stay in the United States on F-1 visas.The plan is currently under review at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and would replace the current “term of status” system that allows international students to remain in the United States as long as they are enrolled in a full-time course of study.Instead, the proposed rule would impose fixed residency limits, generally limiting F-1 visa holders to four years in the country before they are required to renew their status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).Similar restrictions would also apply to holders of J-1 exchange visitor visas, with additional limits proposed affecting members of foreign media with I visas.The rule is designated RIN: 1653-AA95 and was sent to the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on Tuesday, marking one of the final stages before its official publication.The proposal revives an idea that was first raised during the previous Trump administration. It has previously faced opposition from universities and healthcare organizations, which have warned that fixed time limits could disrupt students’ academic progress and create unnecessary administrative burdens along with emotional distress and stress for scholars.The move follows previous policy shifts that affected international students, including delays in visa interviews and instances where the status of thousands was reportedly affected, causing uncertainty across US universities.
According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse, international student enrollment at U.S. universities declined last fall for the first time in three years.Immigration expert Emily Newman said the rule is now nearing final approval, explaining: “The proposed regulation setting a specific time period for accepting F-1 students has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for final approval. The OMB review under the Trump administration was very rapid, so we expect the final regulation to be published within the next two months or so.”If finalized, the rule would represent a shift away from the current flexible system that has long allowed international students to remain in the United States for the duration of their studies without a strict time limit.The White House review is expected to determine whether the proposal will move forward in its current form or undergo further changes before publication.
