The Department of Homeland Security announced a final rule on July 16 that will replace the “duration of status” framework for foreign students, exchange visitors and media representatives with fixed periods of admission.
Under the rule, nonimmigrants in F, J and I classifications will no longer be admitted for an unspecified period. The rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register within days of the announcement and will take effect 60 days after publication.
F-visa students and J-visa exchange visitors will be admitted for the length of their programs, up to a maximum of four years. Those requiring additional time to complete an academic program must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an Extension of Stay.
DHS said extension applicants will be subject to biometric vetting, background checks and fraud screening. The department stated that the change will transfer responsibility for oversight from university staff to federal authorities.
The rule will also reduce the period available to F-1 students after graduation to prepare for departure, transfer schools or change status from 60 days to 30 days. It also introduces restrictions on changes to academic programs, although the announcement did not provide further details about those limitations.
Current nonimmigrant visa holders admitted under the previous framework will transition automatically to the new system. Their authorized stay will be capped at four years from the rule’s effective date.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the fixed limits would allow the government to more regularly screen, vet and monitor visa holders. DHS described the rule as an effort to address immigration fraud and strengthen oversight of nonimmigrant visa programs.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program, managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, oversees schools, F- and M-classification students and their dependents on behalf of DHS. It uses the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System to monitor schools, exchange programs and international students participating in the U.S. education system.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Trump Administration Issues Final Rule to End Foreign Student Visa Abuse,” July 16, 2026.
