International Students Could Face New Time Cap On Stay In US

WASHINGTON, DC -The White House is reviewing a proposal that could impose fixed time limits on international students staying in the United States on F-1 and J-1 visas.

The proposed regulation would replace the current “duration of status” system, which allows foreign students to remain in the country as long as they are enrolled full-time and comply with visa requirements. Under the new plan, most F-1 visa holders would face a four-year stay limit before being required to renew their status through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The latest review comes amid continuing uncertainty for international students in the US following visa interview delays and reports that thousands of students were affected by legal status issues in recent months.

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, international student enrollment at US universities declined last autumn for the first time in three years.

The rule, identified as RIN: 1653-AA95, was submitted on May 5 to the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, marking one of the final steps before potential publication.

The proposal revives a policy first introduced during President Donald Trump’s earlier administration. At the time, universities and healthcare organizations opposed the measure, arguing that fixed stay periods could create administrative burdens and disrupt academic and research programs.