US student visa rules are changing on September 15: Who could be affected and how

The United States has overhauled its student visa framework, replacing the decades-old "Duration of Status" (D/S) system with fixed periods of admission for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors.According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the changes are aimed at curbing visa abuse, strengthening security checks and bringing greater federal oversight to international students.The new rules, which take effect on September 15, introduce a maximum four-year stay for most students, shorten the post-study grace period and require government approval for extensions beyond the authorised stay.The changes are particularly significant for Indian students, who now make up the largest international student community in the US.More than 3.6 lakh Indians were enrolled in American universities during the 2024-25 academic year, many of them pursuing master's, doctoral and STEM programmes that often extend beyond four years.While the DHS says the new framework will improve monitoring of foreign students, universities and higher education groups have warned that the additional paperwork and tighter timelines could create uncertainty for students pursuing longer academic programmes.Key rule changesFixed four-year admission period replaces 'Duration of Status'Under the new rules, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will no longer be allowed to remain in the US for the duration of their academic programme without a fixed end date.Instead, they will be admitted for the length of their programme, subject to a maximum period of four years. Students whose courses extend beyond that period will have to seek approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to continue their studies.Existing students will also move to the new systemInternational students already in the US under the old "Duration of Status" framework will automatically transition to the new rules. Their authorised stay will also be subject to the four-year limit from the rule's effective date.Extensions will require USCIS approvalStudents who need additional time to complete their degree will have to file an Extension of Stay application with USCIS. The process includes biometrics, background checks and additional scrutiny, shifting authority from universities to the federal government.Post-study grace period cut to 30 daysThe grace period after completing studies has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. During this period, students must either leave the US, transfer to another institution, change visa status or take steps related to Optional Practical Training (OPT), where applicable.Stricter rules on academic changesThe rule also introduces tighter controls on changing majors, extending academic programmes and pursuing another degree, requiring greater government oversight than under the previous system.Why are universities asking students to return before September 15?Several universities, including Columbia University, have advised international students currently outside the US to return before the new rules come into force on September 15.Institutions say doing so could help students avoid complications as the immigration system transitions from the old "Duration of Status" framework to the new fixed-period admission model.Why are education groups concerned?The DHS says the new framework will restore integrity to the immigration system and prevent misuse of student visas.However, organisations such as NAFSA and the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) argue the changes could disproportionately affect students enrolled in longer programmes, including PhDs and research-intensive STEM courses.They also warn that additional government approvals could increase uncertainty, delay research and make the US a less attractive destination for international talent.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.