US Ends Duration of Status Policy, Imposes 4-Year Visa Cap for Foreign Students
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The US Department of Homeland Security has replaced the decades-old 'duration of status' policy with fixed visa validity periods for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists. This change, effective around September 15, 2026, could significantly affect Indian and other international students in the US by limiting stays to a maximum of four years.
Background
Since 1978, foreign students on F visas were allowed to stay in the US indefinitely under the 'duration of status' framework, as long as they maintained their non-immigrant status. After studies, they could also stay for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and had a 60-day grace period to leave, change status, or enroll in another program. The new rule ends this system.
Key facts
The new rule applies to F visas (students), J visas (exchange visitors), and I visas (foreign media).
Foreign students and exchange visitors will be admitted only for the duration of their academic programme, subject to a maximum stay of four years.
The rule ends the 'duration of status' policy that had been in place since 1978.
Students seeking to stay beyond four years must apply to USCIS for an extension.
The grace period after completing studies is halved from 60 days to 30 days.
Graduate students can no longer transfer to another university or change their programme of study without fresh authorisation.
The rule applies to students already in the US as well.
The changes are intended to curb abuse of student visas by imposing finite periods of stay.
The rule is expected to take effect around September 15, 2026, after a mandatory congressional review period.
Prelims pointers
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- F visa: for academic students
- J visa: for exchange visitors
- I visa: for foreign media
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Duration of status policy (1978-2026)
Mains angles
- Impact on Indian students and India-US educational ties
- Changes in US immigration policy and its global implications
- Comparison with other countries' student visa policies
- Effect on higher education institutions in the US