The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s proposed changes to visa regulations could significantly impact international students, limiting their study duration and altering the extension process.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a major overhaul of the visa regulations that govern international students, specifically targeting holders of F, J, and I visas. This proposal, submitted in August 2025, seeks to replace the longstanding ‘Duration of Status’ (D/S) system with a fixed time frame for students to complete their academic programs. If implemented as planned, these changes could take effect by September 2026, fundamentally altering the landscape of international education in the United States.
Under the proposed regulations, most international students would be required to complete their academic programs within four years, with limited options for extension. This includes students enrolled in shorter programs, such as two-year master’s degrees, who would need to leave the U.S. upon completion unless they secure an extension from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Language students would be allowed a maximum stay of 24 months, which would encompass all breaks and vacations.
The proposed changes would eliminate the D/S system, which currently allows students to extend their stays beyond the end date indicated on their I-20 forms if they can demonstrate valid reasons for needing additional time. This flexibility has been crucial for many international students, including those transitioning from English language programs to higher education or doctoral candidates who may take longer than four years to complete their studies. The new proposal would place the responsibility for extending stays solely in the hands of USCIS officials, removing the flexibility that many students have relied upon.
Jill Allen Murray, Deputy Executive Director of Public Policy at NAFSA: Association of International Educators, highlighted the anticipated timeline for these changes during a webinar on April 28, 2026. She indicated that the administration aims to finalize the rules to apply to students arriving in the U.S. in the fall of 2026, with a proposed implementation period of 60 days following the final rule’s publication.
The proposed rule signifies a major shift in the extension process for international students. Under the new framework, Designated School Officials (DSOs) would no longer have the authority to approve extension requests. Instead, these decisions would be transferred to USCIS officials, who would have the discretion to approve or deny requests based on their assessments. This shift raises concerns about potential increases in processing times and backlogs at USCIS, which are already at historic levels. Students may face lengthy waits to determine their eligibility for extensions, adding uncertainty to their academic pursuits. Furthermore, the new regulations could complicate matters for institutions as they navigate the revised landscape of international student admissions and support.
The proposed changes also threaten the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to gain work experience in the U.S. after completing their degrees. Joseph Edlow, director of USCIS, has suggested during his confirmation hearings that he is inclined to tighten access to OPT, potentially restricting employment opportunities for F-1 students beyond their time in school. According to a 2025 survey conducted by NAFSA and the Institute for Progress, 54% of international students indicated they would not have chosen the U.S. for their studies without the OPT option. A significant number of participants in the OPT and STEM OPT programs come from India, which represents about half of all enrollees. Any reduction in access or an increase in bureaucratic hurdles could deter future applicants from this key demographic.
Approximately 50% of international students in the U.S. are enrolled in graduate programs, which often require more than four years to complete. The proposed four-year cap on graduate studies could severely impact these programs, particularly in STEM fields, where international students make up nearly 70% of enrollments in math and computer science and over half in engineering. The implications of these changes extend beyond individual students, as international STEM graduates play a critical role in driving innovation and research within the U.S. economy. A reduction in international student enrollment could diminish the competitive edge of U.S. institutions in global education and research.
While the finalized rule is expected to apply primarily to new students arriving in the U.S. in September 2026, the impact on current students seeking extensions could be profound. They may be required to submit extension requests directly to USCIS, further complicating their ability to maintain legal status during their studies. The DHS has justified these proposed changes by asserting that the D/S system fails to adequately address issues of fraud and non-compliance among international students. The government frames this move as a necessary step to enhance national security by improving oversight of international students.
NAFSA and other stakeholders have expressed strong opposition to the proposed changes, arguing that the DHS has not provided sufficient data to support its claims. They contend that much of the monitoring proposed could be achieved through modifications to existing systems rather than the elimination of D/S. NAFSA has initiated a campaign to advocate for reconsideration of the proposal, warning that its implementation would have detrimental effects on campuses and communities across the country.
The DHS has completed its review of public comments regarding the proposed changes and submitted the final rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The final rule is anticipated to be published in the Federal Register soon, with a 60-day implementation period expected thereafter. Legal experts suggest that once published, the rule could face challenges in court if it is deemed arbitrary or lacking in substantial justification for the proposed changes. Advocates for international education are encouraged to document the potential harms of the proposal to support any future litigation efforts.
In conclusion, the proposed changes to visa regulations by the DHS could reshape the landscape of international education in the U.S., impacting student enrollment, institutional operations, and the overall competitiveness of U.S. higher education. As the final rule approaches, institutions and stakeholders must prepare for the potential consequences of these significant policy shifts, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.