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DHS Clears Final White House Review of Fixed-Term Student Visa Rule

Scheduled for Federal Register publication, the proposal invites public feedback with the mechanics of fixed-term stays still to be defined.

Stock image of college students attending their graduation ceremony.
US Student Visa
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With almost 420,000 enrolling in 2024, Indian students make up the largest overseas population at US universities.

Overview

  • The rulemaking package (RIN 1653-AA95) has completed White House and OIRA review and will soon enter the Federal Register comment phase.
  • If adopted, F-1 and J-1 visas would no longer grant open-ended “duration of status” and instead carry fixed expiration dates that may require mid-program renewals.
  • Key details on stay durations, renewal procedures and distinctions by field of study or nationality remain undecided ahead of stakeholder input.
  • Universities and student advocates warn USCIS could face roughly 300,000 extra extension petitions annually, creating processing delays and potential gaps in lawful status.
  • Higher-education groups project a 30–40% drop in new international enrollments and up to a $7 billion economic loss, with India’s roughly 420,000 students most exposed.