Overview
- The Department of Homeland Security finalized a rule that replaces the decades‑old duration‑of‑status system with fixed Admit Until Dates and a four‑year limit for students who begin under the new regime, and the rule is set to take effect unless a court blocks it.
- Under the rule students who need more time must apply for extensions that DHS estimates could total about 460,000 a year, each costing $400, limited to narrow reasons such as compelling academic or medical need, decided by USCIS officers, and not eligible for appeal.
- The regulation tightens rules on internships and training by restricting Curricular Practical Training and requiring extensions for optional practical training, which officials say will make it harder for students to gain work experience in the U.S.
- Colleges and international student offices warn the change will create heavy administrative work, added filing fees, technology and legal costs, and greater advising demand that could further reduce international enrollment and research capacity.
- Higher‑education groups have sued to block the rule and a federal judge expressed skepticism at a recent hearing but has not ruled, leaving students and universities to prepare guidance while some international students consider studying or working outside the U.S.