The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Thursday announced a final rule that overhauls the admission system for foreign students, exchange visitors, and international media representatives, officially terminating the decades-old “duration of status” policy.
Under the new regulation, non-immigrants in the F (academic student), J (exchange visitor), and I (foreign media) classifications will no longer be admitted for an indefinite period tied to the completion of their academic program.
Instead, they will be admitted for the length of their specific program, not to exceed a maximum period of four years. This change shifts responsibility for approving continued stays from school officials to federal authorities, requiring students who need additional time to complete their studies to formally apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Restoring Integrity and Oversight
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the rule is essential to close a “loophole” that has existed since 1978. “For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” Secretary Mullin said. ”
For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S. for an unspecified period, enabling thousands to abuse the system and become “forever students” by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid leaving our nation.
By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas,… pic.twitter.com/1IN5yjelGO
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 16, 2026
For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S. indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the U.S. By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders. This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home.”
The final rule also introduces stricter limits on academic changes, restricting students’ ability to change majors or transfer institutions. Additionally, the departure grace period for F-1 students following graduation is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Concerns Over Impact on Higher Education
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from international education leaders, who argue that a four-year cap fails to account for the realities of many academic programs. Critics point out that most doctoral programs exceed four years, and the average time to complete an undergraduate degree often extends beyond the traditional four-year timeline.
Experts also warn that the new extension requirement will add significant administrative burdens for both students and universities and could deter top global talent from choosing the U.S.
While DHS acknowledged that some students require more time, it maintains the rule is “intended as a law enforcement and screening tool to assess whether a student is maintaining normal academic progress.” DHS officials have also noted that students may continue their studies while an Extension of Stay application is pending.
DHS issued today the public inspection copy of its final rule ending the long-standing Duration of Status policy for international students (F status) and exchange visitors (J status). It also imposes new limits on academic flow and educational mobility. https://t.co/QVhbvfwJlF pic.twitter.com/W7dGio3wW3
— NAFSA (@NAFSA) July 16, 2026
Implementation for Current Students
International students already in the United States under the previous “duration of status” system will automatically transition to the new framework, with their authorized stay capped at a maximum of four years from the rule’s effective date.
The final rule will be published in the Federal Register in the coming days and will take effect 60 days after publication.
Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
