USCIS issues instructions ahead of F-1 visa duration rule change

The United States has new rules for people from other countries who come to study there.

These students are called international students.

Before, they could stay for as long as their studies lasted, without a clear end date.

Now, the government says they can only stay for a set amount of time.

That time is based on their school program, and it cannot be longer than four years.

Students also get 30 days to arrive and 30 days to leave after their program.

If students need more time, they must ask the government for special permission.

The government office called USCIS will start using new forms on September 15, 2026.

Old forms will not be accepted after that day.

The government says these changes help keep the country safe, so students must make sure they have the right paperwork.