Overview

• DHS published the draft rule and set Sept. 29 as the deadline for public comments before any final regulation is issued.
• F‑1 students would be admitted for the length of their program up to four years, with any additional time requiring a USCIS extension.
• The plan, as outlined publicly, also covers I‑visa holders, limiting foreign media admissions to 240 days with a possible 240‑day extension tied to the assignment.
• According to details described by immigration firm Fragomen, the proposal would bar first‑year undergraduates from changing programs or majors and would trigger immediate unlawful presence for overstays.
• Higher‑education groups including NAFSA and the Presidents’ Alliance warn the changes would add costly administrative hurdles and could depress international enrollment.