International students and academic scholars in the United States are set to face major changes in immigration rules as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moves to end the decades-old ‘Duration of Status’ (D/S) system for foreign students and exchange visitors.
The new rules will replace the current open-ended system with fixed admission periods, with most international students allowed to stay for a maximum of four years. The changes are expected to affect hundreds of thousands of students and scholars, including a large number of Indians studying or planning to pursue higher education in the US.
The new policy will also reduce the time graduates have to leave the country or make arrangements for their next immigration status after completing their studies.
‘Duration of Status’ Rule Comes to an End
For many years, students entering the US on F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas were admitted under the ‘Duration of Status’ system.
Under this arrangement, students could legally remain in the country as long as they continued to meet the requirements of their academic programme. Their stay was not limited to a fixed number of years at the time of entry.
However, under the new regulations, this system will be replaced by a fixed-term admission process.
From September 15, international students entering the US will be admitted only for the period considered necessary to complete their academic programme, subject to a maximum limit of four years.
Students who require more time to complete their studies will have to apply for an extension through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Existing Students May Get Protection Under Old Rules
The new policy will not immediately force every international student already living in the US to switch to the new system.
According to the information provided, students who are already in the country under the old D/S system on September 15 will be allowed to complete their existing academic programme or an approved Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. However, international students need to be careful about travelling outside the US.
Students who leave the country and return after the September 15 deadline will automatically come under the new fixed-term admission system. This means that international students currently studying in the US may need to carefully plan any overseas travel, particularly trips to their home countries.
Four-Year Cap Could Affect Longer Courses
One of the biggest changes under the new rules is the introduction of a four-year maximum period for initial student admission.
This could create additional challenges for students enrolled in programmes that normally take longer than four years to complete.
Students pursuing longer undergraduate programmes, dual-degree courses or medical qualifications may need to apply for an extension of their stay before their authorised period ends.
The extension process will involve additional paperwork and filing fees. Students may also face administrative delays while their applications are being processed.
Post-Graduation Grace Period Cut From 60 to 30 Days
The new policy will also reduce the amount of time international students have after completing their studies.
Under the earlier system, F-1 students generally had a 60-day grace period after graduation. During this time, they could prepare to leave the US, move to another institution, apply for a change in immigration status or make arrangements related to their next steps. Under the revised rules, this period will be reduced to just 30 days.
This means international graduates will have much less time to decide what they want to do after completing their studies and complete the necessary immigration procedures.
New Restrictions for Foreign Journalists
The changes are not limited to international students and exchange visitors. The new rules also introduce restrictions for foreign journalists holding I-category visas.
Foreign journalists will face an initial maximum stay of 240 days, while Chinese media personnel will be limited to an initial stay of 90 days.
Why Is the US Government Changing the Rules?
DHS has defended the policy change by pointing to concerns about immigration system misuse and national security oversight.
According to the federal government, the earlier D/S system allowed some foreign nationals to repeatedly enrol in academic courses mainly to extend their stay in the US.
The government believes that moving to fixed admission periods will give authorities greater control over how long foreign students and scholars remain in the country and allow closer monitoring of their immigration status.
Indian Students Likely to Face Major Impact
The changes could have a significant impact on the Indian student community.
India is among the biggest sources of international students and academic talent for US universities, with more than 300,000 students travelling to American campuses each year.
Immigration lawyers and university advisors are now advising Indian students to be especially careful about their travel plans.
Students currently in India who are preparing to travel to the US, as well as those already studying there and planning to return home during academic breaks, may need to consider the September 15 deadline when planning their journeys.
Those who leave the US and return after the deadline could be placed under the new fixed-term admission system.
Students Urged to Check Their Status Before Travelling
With the new rules approaching, universities are encouraging international students to contact their campus international offices before making overseas travel plans.
For Indian students, the changes could mean more paperwork, additional costs and a shorter period to make decisions after graduation.
Students whose courses may take more than four years to complete will also need to understand the extension process and ensure that they apply before their authorised stay expires.
The new system marks a major shift in how the US manages the stay of international students and scholars. For thousands of Indians planning to study in America, the September 15 deadline could become an important date in deciding when to travel, how long they can remain in the country and what steps they need to take to continue their education or career in the US.
Also Read: Canada Visa Dream Turns Into Rs 72 Lakh Nightmare For Two Gujarat Men https://www.vibesofindia.com/ahmedabad-canada-work-visa-scam-rs-72-lakh-fraud/
