Proposed F-1 Visa Change May Limit Length of Stay for Foreign Students

The United States has proposed a new rule that would replace the current “duration of status” policy for international students with a fixed-term visa, limiting stays to a maximum of four years.

The proposal, introduced by the Trump administration, would require students on F visas to leave the country within 60 days of completing their academic programme and any authorised practical training. Extensions beyond the initial term would need to be approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), subject to additional review. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argues that the change is necessary to prevent visa misuse and improve oversight of non-immigrant visitors. Currently, international students are allowed to stay in the US as long as they maintain their academic status. 

The proposed shift to fixed-term admission would end this open-ended approach, with significant implications for those enrolled in longer academic programmes, particularly doctoral research that often extends beyond four years. Ankit Mehra, CEO of education financing platform GyanDhan, said the proposed rule could add administrative burdens and increase uncertainty for international students. 

“Those pursuing long-term research programmes like PhDs will be most affected,” he said. “If passed, this rule would make studying in the US, a far less flexible and far more stressful prospect for thousands of Indian students.”

The proposed changes could also affect students’ post-study plans. Those seeking to remain in the US beyond their academic term would be required to apply for a different visa, such as the H-1B for temporary skilled workers or the O visa for individuals with exceptional ability in specialised fields.

While the DHS maintains that the new rule is intended to address cases of prolonged or indefinite student stays, critics warn that it may impact genuine students and researchers who comply with visa conditions. Education sector stakeholders have raised concerns that the added complexity could discourage prospective applicants and reduce the appeal of US higher education institutions.

Akshay Chaturvedi, CEO and Founder of Leverage Edu, acknowledges the continued appeal of US universities but notes a growing interest in alternative destinations. 

“We are seeing rising interest in countries like Germany, Ireland, the UAE, Italy, and France, which offer clearer post-study work options and more predictable visa processes.”