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PTC Web Desk: The Trump administration has finalised a major change to US immigration rules that will affect thousands of international students.

Under the new policy, most students entering the US on an F-1 student visa will be allowed to stay for a maximum of four years. Students who need more time to complete their studies, pursue research or continue Optional Practical Training (OPT) will have to apply for an extension before their authorised stay ends.

The rule also applies to J-1 exchange visitors and journalists holding I visas.

Until now, international students were admitted under a system known as "Duration of Status (D/S)." This allowed them to stay in the US as long as they continued to meet the conditions of their visa and remained enrolled in their academic programme.

With the new rule, students will instead receive a fixed expiry date on their I-94 arrival record. Once that date is reached, they must either leave the US or obtain approval from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to stay longer.

According to US immigration attorney Emily Neumann, students who are already in the US and maintaining their legal status do not need to panic or immediately submit new applications.

She said they will generally be allowed to remain until the earliest of: Their programme end date mentioned on the I-20.

Around September 15, 2030 (roughly four years after the rule takes effect).

The date they violate their visa conditions.

Neumann has advised current F-1 students to avoid travelling outside the US after the new rule comes into effect.

She explained that students returning to the US after September 15, 2026, will no longer be admitted under the old "Duration of Status" system. Instead, they will receive a new I-94 with a fixed end date.

Another important change is the departure period. Students will get 30 days to leave the country after completing their programme instead of the current 60-day grace period.

The new rule is also expected to increase paperwork for international students. In many cases, simply extending a programme through a university's Designated School Official (DSO) will no longer be enough. Students who need extra time will likely have to file a formal extension request with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), most likely using Form I-539.

Students applying for post-completion OPT may also have to submit both Form I-539 and Form I-765, depending on their situation.

The new policy is expected to place tighter limits on changing academic programmes. Graduate students may not be allowed to switch majors or transfer to another institution without special approval. Students who complete one degree may also face restrictions on enrolling in another degree at the same academic level, such as pursuing a second bachelor's or second master's degree.

Students and universities will need to track deadlines

Experts say the biggest change is that students can no longer rely only on their universities to manage their immigration status.

Going forward, students, educational institutions and employers will all need to keep a close watch on I-94 expiry dates and ensure extension applications are filed well before the authorised stay ends.

The new system is expected to significantly change how international students manage their legal status while studying and working in the United States.


FAQs: New US F-1 Student Visa Rule

1. What is the new rule about?

The Trump administration has finalised a change that limits most F-1 student visa holders to a maximum stay of four years in the US, replacing the earlier open-ended system.

2. What was the system before this rule?

Students were admitted under "Duration of Status (D/S)," letting them stay as long as they remained enrolled and met their visa conditions with no fixed end date.

3. What changes under the new rule?

Students will now get a fixed expiry date on their I-94 arrival record. Once that date passes, they must either leave the US or get approval from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to extend their stay.

4. Does this apply only to F-1 students?

No. The rule also covers J-1 exchange visitors and journalists on I visas.

5. I'm already studying in the US — do I need to do anything right away?

According to immigration attorney Emily Neumann, students already maintaining legal status don't need to panic or file new applications immediately. They can generally stay until the earliest of:

Their programme end date on the I-20

Around September 15, 2030 (about four years after the rule takes effect)

The date they violate their visa conditions

6. Should I travel outside the US after the rule takes effect?

It's advised against. Students returning after September 15, 2026, will no longer be readmitted under the old "Duration of Status" system. They'll receive a new I-94 with a fixed end date instead.

7. How long will I have to leave the US after finishing my programme?

The grace period is being cut from 60 days to 30 days after program completion.

8. Will extending my programme be harder?

Yes. In many cases, a university's Designated School Official (DSO) alone won't be enough to extend status. Students will likely need to file Form I-539 with USCIS for a formal extension.

9. What about students on OPT (Optional Practical Training)?

Students applying for post-completion OPT may need to submit both Form I-539 and Form I-765, depending on their situation.

10. Can I switch majors or change my degree programme freely?

Rules are expected to tighten. Graduate students may need special approval to switch majors or transfer institutions and pursuing a second degree at the same level (e.g., a second bachelor's or master's) may face restrictions.

11. Who is responsible for tracking visa deadlines now?

Unlike before, students can't rely solely on their university. Students, institutions and employers will all need to actively track I-94 expiry dates and file extensions well in advance.

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