US Introduces New Rule Limiting F-1 Student Visa Stay to Four Years

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new rule that could significantly change how long international students are allowed to stay in the United States.

Under the proposed regulation, the maximum validity of an F-1 student visa will be capped at four years for most international students. Once the rule comes into effect, it will replace the decades-old "Duration of Status" (D/S) system, under which students could remain in the U.S. for as long as they maintained their academic status.

The new framework will require students to obtain a fixed period of authorized stay rather than an open-ended duration tied to their educational program. Students who need additional time to complete their studies may have to apply for an extension through the appropriate immigration process.

The DHS says the change is intended to strengthen oversight of the student visa system and improve immigration compliance. However, the proposal has raised concerns among universities and international student communities, who fear it could increase administrative hurdles and create uncertainty for students pursuing longer academic programs.

The rule is expected to have a significant impact on thousands of international students planning to study in the United States, particularly those enrolled in multi-year degree and research programmes.

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