The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a proposed rule that significantly changes how the F-1 student visa system works. These updates are set to impact thousands of international students planning to study in the United States.
Major Shift: No More Duration of Status
The biggest change is the removal of the “duration of status” policy. Instead of staying in the US as long as they are enrolled, students will now be admitted for a fixed period ranging from 1 to 4 years based on individual cases.
Undergraduate Transfers Restricted in Year 1
One key restriction is that undergraduate students cannot transfer schools within their first year. If you start at one college on an I-20, you must complete a year there before moving to another.
This change blocks students from switching institutions quickly after arriving in the US. Plans to “upgrade” to better colleges post-arrival must now be reconsidered.
Program Stacking and Same-Level Degrees Targeted
DHS is also acting against students who take back-to-back degrees at the same academic level, especially master’s. Repeating degrees or “program stacking” to extend your stay will no longer be easy.
Day-1 CPT and OPT Heavily Impacted
The new rule also affects CPT and OPT. Day-1 CPT, which allowed work from the first day of classes, will become nearly impossible. For OPT, the post-course grace period will be reduced from 60 to 30 days after visa expiry.
These changes hit students and employers who relied on CPT or OPT to gain US work experience and extend visa stays.
No Easy Program or School Switch for Master’s Students
If you’re pursuing a master’s degree, the rule will tie your visa to the specific program listed on your I-20. Changing your course or university midway will not be simple under the new setup.
Fixed 4-Year Limit and More Visa Renewals
The F-1 visa will now have a maximum validity of four years, with extensions requiring USCIS approval or visa re-stamping. For students going from bachelor’s to PhD, this means leaving the US and renewing the visa at least once every four years.
Mixed Response from Stakeholders
While DHS claims these steps are necessary to prevent fraud and improve visa oversight, universities and students argue it creates financial stress, travel delays, and uncertainty about re-entry.
Plan Ahead for a Smoother Journey
This is a significant policy shift. If you are planning to study in the US, reassess your strategy, budget, and timeline. These new rules will require careful planning and regular visa renewals.
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