A proposed U.S. immigration rule could significantly alter how international students maintain legal status in the country, replacing a decades-old system that allows students to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic programs.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has received White House approval for a regulation that would end the current “Duration of Status” (D/S) framework for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain other visa holders. Under the existing system, students can stay in the United States as long as they remain enrolled full-time and comply with visa requirements. The proposed rule would instead impose fixed periods of stay, after which individuals would need to apply for extensions or depart the country.
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The change is expected to have particular significance for Indian students, who represent one of the largest international student populations in the United States. Universities and education groups have expressed concerns that the new framework could introduce additional uncertainty and administrative burdens for students pursuing long-term academic programs.
According to details of the proposal, most students would receive a maximum admission period of four years. Students enrolled in programs extending beyond that timeframe would need to seek approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to continue their studies legally. The proposal would also reduce flexibility currently provided through university-issued documentation that allows students to extend academic timelines without direct federal review.
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The rule could have broader implications for graduate students, doctoral candidates, researchers, and participants in Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. Critics argue that many academic pathways routinely extend beyond four years, making additional government approvals a regular requirement rather than an exception.
Another significant aspect of the proposal involves compliance and enforcement. Under the new framework, unlawful presence could begin immediately after a student’s authorized stay expires, increasing the risks associated with delays in extension approvals or administrative processing. The proposal would also shorten the grace period available to many students after completing their studies. The rule has completed White House review and is expected to move toward formal publication. However, current regulations remain in effect until the final rule is officially published and implemented.