A sweeping change to US immigration rules could soon reshape how international students plan their education in the country, with a proposed policy introducing a fixed four-year limit on student stays.The White House has cleared a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation that would replace the long-standing “Duration of Status” (D/S) system with a time-bound admission model for foreign students and exchange visitors.According to Bloomberg reports, under the proposed changes, most international students would be permitted to stay in the US for up to four years. After this period, those continuing their studies would be required to obtain formal approval to extend their stay.Currently, students can stay for the full length of their academic programme as long as they maintain valid status, without a fixed expiry date. If implemented, the change could affect F-1 student visa holders, J-1 exchange visitors and other categories, requiring more frequent interaction with US immigration authorities. The rule has cleared review by the White House Office of Management and Budget and is expected to move toward publication in the Federal Register, with implementation likely within 30 to 60 days of final notification. What is the proposed change?Under current plans reported by Bloomberg, international student stays could be capped at around four years, regardless of how long their academic programme runs.The rule would apply to multiple visa categories, including:F-1 student visasJ-1 exchange visitor visasOther related study-based visa categoriesIf implemented, students whose programmes extend beyond the limit would need to apply for formal extensions through US immigration authorities.The regulation has already cleared review by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is expected to be published in the Federal Register, with an implementation window of 30 to 60 days after publication.How the current 'Duration of Status' system worksAt present, international students in the US are admitted under the Duration of Status (D/S) framework.This allows students to stay in the country for as long as they:Remain enrolled full-timeMaintain valid student statusComply with visa conditionsThere is no fixed end date attached to their stay.This system allows flexibility to:Extend academic programmesSwitch universities or coursesProgress from undergraduate to postgraduate studiesComplete Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPTWhat would change under the new rule?The proposed system would replace this flexible model with a fixed admission period, likely around four years for most students.Key implications include:Students would no longer have automatic stay based on enrolmentExtensions would require approval from USCISAdditional documentation and biometric checks may be requiredProcessing delays could affect academic timelinesOverstaying without approval could lead to legal consequencesIn effect, continued study in the US would depend on periodic immigration approvals rather than academic enrolment alone.Why the US government is proposing the changeThe Department of Homeland Security argues that the current system makes it harder to track compliance and identify visa overstays.A fixed end-date model, officials say, would:Improve monitoring of foreign studentsStrengthen immigration enforcementStandardise visa oversight across categoriesWhy Indian students could be most affectedIndia is the largest source of international students in the United States.According to the Open Doors 2024 report, more than 331,000 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions in the 2023–24 academic year — nearly 30% of all international students.Many of these students are in programmes that exceed four years, including:PhD and doctoral research programmesLong-duration master’s degreesTechnical and professional coursesUnder the proposed system, these students may face:More extension applicationsIncreased immigration scrutinyGreater uncertainty around long-term academic planningKey concerns raised by experts and institutionsOrganisations such as the Association of American Universities (AAU), American Council on Education (ACE) and NAFSA have warned that fixed stay limits could:Increase administrative burdenCreate uncertainty for research-based programmesMake it harder to maintain legal status in longer academic tracksThey also caution that changes could affect transitions into work pathways such as OPT.What happens if a visa stay expires?A major concern under the proposed framework is enforcement.If a student’s authorised stay expires:They may begin accruing unlawful presence immediatelyDelays in extension processing could create legal risksImmigration penalties could affect future US travel eligibilityAccording to immigration firm Fragomen, this could significantly raise the stakes for administrative delays or paperwork errors.Impact on OPT and post-study work pathwaysThe effect on Optional Practical Training (OPT) is still unclear.However, experts warn that moving away from the D/S system could:Complicate transitions from study to employmentAdd procedural steps before work authorisationIncrease pressure on visa timelines for STEM OPT participantsOPT remains a key pathway for international graduates seeking US work experience.What about the grace period?Earlier versions of the proposal suggested reducing the post-study grace period for F-1 students from 60 days to 30 days.This period is currently used to:Apply for OPTTransfer universitiesChange visa statusPrepare for departureAny reduction would tighten post-graduation timelines significantly.When could the rule take effect?The rule is not yet in force.OMB review has been completedFinal publication in the Federal Register is pendingImplementation could begin 30–60 days after publicationExperts suggest rollout may occur later in 2026, though timelines remain uncertain.What should students do now?There is no immediate change for current or prospective students.At this stage, students should:Continue under existing visa rulesMonitor updates from DHS and USCISStay in touch with university international officesWhat happens nextThe regulation is not yet in force. It still requires formal publication before becoming law.Once published, the government is expected to announce an implementation timeline, which experts say could begin later in 2026.Until then, the current Duration of Status system remains unchanged, allowing students to stay in the US for the full length of their academic programme as long as they comply with visa conditions.With inputs from Agencies