On the eve of new federal immigration rules set to take effect from September 15, several leading universities in the United States have urged international students to return to the country urgently. It is feared that these new regulations will bring significant changes to the terms of stay for foreign students in the US, potentially creating uncertainty about their academic future. The country's major educational institutions are advising their students to be physically present in the United States before the stipulated deadline to avoid potential complications.
Under the new rules, the 'Duration of Status' (D/S) system, which previously allowed international students to remain in the US as long as they maintained their academic status, is being changed. From now on, a fixed period of authorized stay will be applicable for F (academic student), J (exchange visitor), and I (foreign media and journalist) visa holders. This change is a new initiative by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will alter a long-standing traditional practice.
Several renowned universities, including Harvard, Columbia, Ohio State University, Georgetown, George Washington (GW), and the University of Chicago, have warned their international students about this change. The universities emphasize that these new regulations could directly impact the terms of stay for F-1 and J-1 visa holders after their entry into the United States. Therefore, students who are currently outside the country or planning international travel around September 15 have been advised to reconsider their decisions.
The universities have clearly stated that by returning to the US before the specified date, students may be exempt from falling under the new fixed-term system or may be subject to less complex interim rules. Harvard's International Office has specifically advised F-1 and J-1 students and researchers to plan their travel in such a way that they can be physically present in the United States by September 15. This will help them maintain their status and avoid potential complications in the future.
To facilitate student preparation and coordination, Columbia University has requested international students to return even earlier, by September 8. Similarly, Georgetown University's Office of Global Services (OGS) has issued an urgent warning regarding this matter to students, researchers, and alumni. George Washington University's International Services Office (ISO) has advised students to check their records via the university portal on or around September 15 to view their new and specific course end dates. Meanwhile, the University of Chicago's Office of International Affairs has organized urgent webinars on the strict restrictions on students' academic mobility and the short 30-day grace period that will apply due to this rule, so that students can be informed about the changed circumstances.
Under the existing system, eligible F-1 students were generally allowed to remain in the United States for the entire duration of their studies, provided they maintained their authorized course enrollment and complied with immigration terms. This flexibility offered many advantages to students, especially those who spent extended periods on research or specialized courses. However, under the new system, students entering or re-entering the United States will typically receive a specific end date on their Form I-94 (the official document issued by US Customs and Border Protection upon entry into the US). Their authorized stay will generally depend on the duration of their course, with a maximum initial period of four years.
This change could significantly impact students whose courses typically exceed four years, such as some doctoral, medical, or other professional programs. Previously, such students could legally remain in the US until the completion of their courses, but now they will have to finish their courses within a specific timeframe or apply for an extension of their stay through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if additional time is needed. This process can be time-consuming and lead to additional administrative burdens.
However, for those already in the United States, the interim rules are relatively less complicated. Those who are present within the US by September 15 and maintain their F-1 or J-1 status will generally be covered by these interim provisions. They will not be immediately required to apply for a new period of authorized stay simply because the rules have taken effect. This changed situation has created a new challenge for international students, which is expected to significantly impact their future plans.
