Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Proposed US Student Visa Rule Changes: What to Know
The US government is thinking about changing the rules for international students.
Right now, students can stay as long as they're in school.
The new plan is to let them stay for a maximum of four years.
After that, they'll need to ask for permission to stay longer.
This could affect students in long programs or those who want to work after school.
Some experts worry it could create extra paperwork and uncertainty.
Current students don't need to do anything yet, but they should keep following the current rules.
The government is taking comments on the proposal before deciding if it becomes a real rule.
DHS proposed a four-year limit on F-1 and J-1 visa holders' stay in the US.
Students exceeding the four-year limit must apply for an extension of stay (EOS).
Grace period after studies will be reduced, with restrictions on school transfers.
Second master's degrees and language study duration will be capped under new rules.
Universities and educators have criticized the proposal, citing potential complications.
- Who
- The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and international students.
- What
- Proposed changes to student visa rules, including a four-year stay limit.
- When
- The proposal was published on August 28; potentially effective in early to mid-2026.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- DHS aims to reassess compliance, reduce abuse, and monitor visa holders more closely.
- Proposed Cap
- Four-year limit on student visas
- Current System
- Duration of Status (D/S) until program completion
- Affected Visas
- F-1 (academic) and J-1 (exchange)
- Extension Process
- Apply to DHS via Form I-539
- Potential Effective Date
- Early to mid-2026
- Comment Period End
- September 29