Overview

• The proposal rescinds the “duration of status” framework for F-1, J-1 and I-visa holders and sets finite admission periods.
• Sending the rule to the Office of Management and Budget marks one of the last steps before potential publication in the Federal Register.
• If issued as an interim final rule, it would bypass the standard 30- to 60-day public comment period and take effect upon publication.
• Fixed expiration dates would force periodic extension applications, which experts warn could cause delays, added costs and program disruptions.
• Revised unlawful presence rules risk automatically triggering three- or ten-year reentry bans, with Indian students—currently the largest cohort—likely to feel disproportionate impact.