The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a rule restricting the maximum duration of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visitor visas to four years, effective September 15, 2026. This ends the prior “duration of status” policy that permitted indefinite stays while students completed academic programs.
Previous Indefinite Visa Policy Replaced
Since 1979, the duration of status policy allowed F-1 and J-1 visa holders to remain in the United States for the full length of their academic programs without a fixed time limit. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated this indefinite stay led to abuses, with thousands of students “perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid
having to leave the U.S.” DHS views the four-year cap as a law enforcement tool to monitor academic progress and visa eligibility. According to DHS, 2,100 international students admitted between 2000 and 2010 remain in the U.S. on F-1 status. Mullin said, “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.” The Trump administration originally sought to end the duration of status but faced legal challenges until the rule was finalized under the current administration.
Implications for Foreign Students
The new regulation limits foreign students to four years
of stay, including both F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Students already in the U.S. may continue their current programs or remain up to an additional four years. After four years, students must apply for an extension, which is discretionary and may not be granted. The policy also restricts flexibility in changing majors or transferring institutions. The post-graduation grace period to depart the U.S. or adjust visa status has been reduced from 60 to 30 days. These changes pose challenges for students in programs that often exceed four years, such as most doctorate degrees and some undergraduate studies.
Criticism from Education and Immigration Advocates
International education organizations
and immigration advocacy groups sharply criticized the rule. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, described the policy as “a misguided and unnecessary policy shift that injects uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear into a system that has long worked effectively.” The American Immigration Lawyers Association condemned the rule as redundant since monitoring already exists through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). They warned that the rule’s duplicative processes may increase undocumented populations and undermine economic and security foundations. Zuzana C. Wootson, deputy director of federal policy at the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, stated the
policy harms the U.S. economy and global competitiveness, emphasizing that international students contribute significantly to innovation and job creation. Critics also raised concerns about USCIS’s existing backlog of over 11.65 million cases and average processing times exceeding one year, fearing extension applications will face significant delays or denials, further complicating students’ status.
Support from Some Lawmakers and Policy Context
Republican officials endorsed the new rule. Missouri State Senator Rick Brattin affirmed it “ends the ‘duration of status’ loophole, stops visa abuse, and puts real vetting back in place which is important for national security.” U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt praised the policy for terminating the issue of “forever
students” who remain in the U.S. indefinitely by continuous enrollment. This rule is part of a broader tightening of immigration policies affecting international students initiated during the Trump administration, which included mass termination of thousands of student visa statuses and increased social media screening. Following these enforcement steps, international student enrollment in the U.S. declined in fall 2025 along with the issuance of new student visas.
