US ends 'duration of status' policy for international students, introduces fixed visa terms

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule ending the decades-old "duration of status" policy for international students and exchange visitors, replacing it with fixed admission periods and new federal requirements for visa extensions.

Announced on July 16, the rule applies to nonimmigrant visa holders in the F, J, and I categories. According to DHS, the changes are intended to strengthen immigration enforcement, curb misuse of student visas, and enhance national security through periodic government screening.

"The new regulation establishes a fixed period of admission for nonimmigrant visa holders in F, J, and I classifications. This decisive shift restores integrity to the nation's immigration system, combats rampant visa abuse, and strengthens national security through regular vetting. A fixed period of admission is currently in place for many other types of nonimmigrant visas," the DHS said in a statement.

The new policy is expected to affect thousands of international students, including those from India, one of the largest sources of foreign students in US higher education.

Students to receive fixed admission period

Under the new regulation, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will be granted admission only for the length of their approved academic or exchange program, with a maximum stay of four years.

Students who are unable to complete their programs within the approved period will have to seek an Extension of Stay (EOS) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The approval process will include biometric verification, background screening, and fraud checks. Educational institutions will no longer be authorized to extend students' stay under the new system.

The rule also shortens the grace period available to F-1 students after completing their studies. Instead of the current 60-day window, students will have only 30 days to depart the country, transfer to another institution, or switch to another immigration status.

In addition, the administration has introduced stricter controls over changes in academic programs, increasing direct federal oversight of student visa holders.

Current students to shift automatically

Students already studying in the United States under the existing "duration of status" framework will automatically move to the new system, according to DHS. Their authorized stay will be limited to four years from the date the regulation comes into force.

The final rule is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register and will take effect 60 days after publication.

Administration cites immigration concerns

DHS said the "duration of status" policy had been in place since 1978 and argued that it enabled some individuals to remain in the United States indefinitely by continuously enrolling in educational programs.

"For nearly half a century, the outdated 'duration of status' system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud," DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said.

"For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the US indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the US. By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders. This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home," he added.

SEVP to continue oversight

Oversight of international students and educational institutions will continue through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), operated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The program uses the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to monitor schools, exchange visitor programs, and international students throughout their stay in the United States.

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