New Visa Regulations Take Effect September 15
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule ending the long-standing “duration of status” (D/S) policy for F, J, and I visa holders. Effective September 15, 2026, international students, exchange visitors, and foreign journalists will no longer be granted indefinite stays, but will instead be subject to fixed-period admissions, typically capped at four years.
The policy change is part of a broader shift in immigration oversight under the current administration. According to federal data, the U.S. recorded over 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, alongside 500,000 exchange visitors and approximately 37,300 foreign media representatives.
Impact on Academic Institutions
The rule has drawn sharp criticism from higher education advocates. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, the association of international educators, described the policy as a “misguided and unnecessary” shift that introduces “unnecessary government intrusion into academic decision-making.” Educators argue that a four-year cap is insufficient for many degree programs, particularly PhD and medical studies, and will force students to navigate an already overburdened immigration system to file for extensions.
Zuzanna Čeplá Wootson, deputy director of federal policy at the Presidents’ Alliance, emphasized that academic progress should be determined by institutions rather than federal immigration officials. Critics warn that the increased bureaucratic burden could deter global talent and impact university enrollment, as institutions face higher compliance costs and legal risks.
Security vs. Competition
The administration maintains that the rule is necessary to improve immigration oversight and enhance national security by ensuring more frequent collection of nonimmigrant information. However, opponents argue that international students are already the most tracked nonimmigrant group in the U.S. and that the new requirements offer no tangible security benefits while undermining the country’s competitive edge in attracting global talent.