Administration Proposes Major Shift in Student Visa Rules, Ending 'Duration of Status'

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has drafted a new regulation aimed at introducing a major overhaul to the international student visa framework. Under the proposed rule, the long-standing "Duration of Status" policy would be abolished and replaced with a fixed period of stay for international academics.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the new framework would cap the initial authorized period of stay at a maximum of four years for F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, and select other non-immigrant categories.

Currently, the "Duration of Status" framework allows international students to legally reside as long as they maintain enrollment, giving them flexibility to extend courses, transfer universities, switch majors, or pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT). Under the new proposal, however, students enrolled in programs lasting longer than four years would be required to formally apply for an extension of stay through the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Academic bodies, including the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the American Council on Education (ACE), have expressed sharp concerns, warning that fixed terms will trigger immense uncertainty for doctoral and long-term research students. Notably, the existing guidelines remain fully operational until a final rule is officially published and enacted.