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WASHINGTON: Several major US universities have urged international students to return to the United States before September 15, when new federal immigration rules are scheduled to take effect.
Under the new rules, international students can remain in the US as long as they maintain their academic status, with a fixed period of admission for holders of F (academic students), J (exchange visitors) and I (foreign media and journalists) category visas.
Universities, including Harvard, Columbia, Ohio State University, Georgetown, George Washington (GW) and the University of Chicago, warned international students that the changes could affect the terms under which F-1 and J-1 students were admitted and allowed to remain in the country.
Those planning international travel around the September 15 deadline were also advised to reconsider their plans. Universities said returning before that date could help students avoid being admitted under the new fixed-period system.
