The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that will significantly change the F-1 student visa program’s operation. If implemented, these regulations will impact thousands of international students as well as their host institutions.
End of “Duration of Status” – Fixed Stay Limits
F-1 students were admitted for “duration of status” (D/S) for decades, that is, allowed to remain in the U.S. for as long as they were taking classes full-time. DHS wants to change that. Students would instead be admitted for a defined time period, up to 4 years, matching the program end-date in the I-20 form.
If additional time is needed, the student must provide an extension of stay to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or leave the country to renew the visa. Continuing beyond the end date without authority will put the student in unlawful presence, which has severe immigration implications. This change gives added authority to the USCIS while also bringing confusion to students in extended studies, such as Ph.D.s, who may have multiple renewals.
Restrictions on School Transfers and Program Changes
The rule also seeks to limit scholarly mobility:
- Undergraduates: Freshmen may not transfer in the first year, except in cases of “extenuating circumstances” (e.g., closure of school).
- Graduate Students: Once admitted, graduate students would generally have committed themselves to their respective program and graduate school. Program changes or in-the-middle transfers wouldn’t occur without having to start the whole visa application process all over.
This puts added pressure on students to carefully choose their first school because “trying out” the waters in one college with the option to then transfer to another will no longer be available. University administrators warn that this will reduce academic flexibility, especially in graduate students who generally finalize their research specialization later in their program.
No More “Program Stacking” or Repeating Degrees
DHS also wants to block students from pursuing back-to-back degrees in the same or lower level—a phenomenon in some instances called “program stacking.” For instance, master’s degree recipients wouldn’t start another master’s program to remain in the U.S.
This is the very specific regulation that responds to the use of second degrees for working benefits, i.e., undertaking another program that is bestowing Day-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This choice under the new rule will no longer be available. Students will have to either enter another level of study, decide to use OPT to obtain work permits, or change to another kind of visa.
CPT, OPT, and Shorter Grace Periods
The rule proposal also affects student job prospects:
- CPT: Again available, though Day-1 CPT—a working permission on your first day starting any program—all but disappears as second degrees in the same level are not allowed.
- OPT: Students are still allowed to work after their graduation, although the grace period shortens from 60 days to 30 days. This gives fewer days to students to finish any loose ends, secure employment, or switch to another status.
For employers, this will provide shorter time periods for work authorization for international graduates, while companies will have to respond more quickly in sponsoring.
Four-Year Visa Cap and More Renewals
F-1 visas will be limited to four years maximum. Students in extended-programs or in master’s-to-doctoral transitions can take one renewal or extension as minimum in their stay. Renewals involve extra costs, potential prolonged travels to home country, as well as re-entry stress—an anxiety for students as well as institutions.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
DHS says these provisions are designed to prevent abuse of the student visa program and to enhance security. But critics view them as an overreach that inappropriately penalizes rightful students. Campuses and lobby groups warn that the changes may:
- Create additional costs for students (renewing visas, attorney fees, travel).
- Cause delays and stress if USCIS cannot process extensions quickly.
- Make the nation less attractive to the world’s best talent, harming competitiveness.
Practical Advice for Students and Employers
- Students: Choose programs carefully and check end dates of visas carefully. Budget for renewals as well as attorney expenses. Use OPT prudently as back-up options like second degrees will be off-limits.
- Employers: Anticipate narrower deadlines when hiring F-1 graduates. Start sponsorship discussions early.
- Universities: Prepare for increased compliance needs and potential enrollment challenges.
Next Steps
This is still a proposed rule. The DHS is soliciting public comments through late September in 2025. Implementation can take months to finalize and can undergo revisions. Current F-1 status recipients are still under current rules.
Our office is closely monitoring these events and will continue to provide timely reports.
Disclaimer: This is for general information only and is not intended to offer advice. Immigration legislation and proposals are subject to continual change. To obtain tailored advice, please consult with an experienced immigration lawyer.
If you’re a student or employer in doubt about these proposed changes, contact our office for personalized guidance.