The Department of Homeland Security is implementing new restrictions on international student visas to prevent foreign students from remaining in the U.S. indefinitely.
According to the DHS release, “the U.S. has admitted foreign students for an unspecified period, enabling thousands to become ‘forever students’ by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid departure.”
The previous “duration of status” policy allowed nonimmigrant foreign students to remain in the United States as long as they maintained their student status. DHS is closing the loophole by establishing a fixed period of authorized stay and requiring students to apply directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for extensions.
The new restrictions apply to F, J, and I nonimmigrant visa classifications. Many other nonimmigrant visa categories already implement fixed periods of authorized stay.
“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders.”
In addition to these reforms, DHS is also reducing the grace period after a foreign student’s authorized stay ends from 60 days to 30 days and placing new limits on program changes.
The changes could have a significant impact in Texas, where universities enroll one of the nation’s largest international student populations.
According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, 92,020 international students are enrolled in Texas higher education institutions, accounting for about 6 percent of the state’s total enrollment.
The new rules were published in the Federal Register on July 17 and will take effect on September 15, 2026.
