Student Visa Rules Shift To Fixed Stay Period – BW Education

Student Visa Rules Shift To Fixed Stay Period
BW Online BureauAug 04, 2026
International students in the US will gradually move from an open-ended stay system to fixed admission periods, with new compliance requirements from September 15
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International student mobility has remained a key contributor to higher education in the United States, with enrolments touching record levels in recent years. According to the Open Doors 2024 Report published by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the US hosted more than 1.1 million international students during the 2023–24 academic year, the highest number on record. India emerged as the largest source country with over 3.31 lakh students, accounting for nearly 29 per cent of the total international student population in the country.

Against this backdrop, the US has announced a significant change to the way international students are admitted and allowed to remain in the country

Under a final rule that takes effect on 15 September 2026, international students on F-1 visas will no longer be admitted under the long-standing ‘duration of status’ system. Instead, they will receive a fixed period of admission linked to the programme end date mentioned on their Form I-20, subject to a maximum stay of four years, along with a 30-day period before the programme begins and a 30-day departure period after completion.

The changes also affect students already studying in the US under the earlier duration of status system. According to the US Department of Homeland Security’s final rule, such students do not need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) immediately. They may continue their studies or authorised Optional Practical Training (OPT) until the programme end date on their Form I-20 or until the completion of their approved OPT or STEM OPT period.

However, the rule states that their authorised stay under the earlier admission cannot extend beyond 14 November 2030. Students wishing to remain in the US after that date for a new programme of study or for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT must apply for an Extension of Stay. They may also leave the country and seek readmission with a new period of admission

The revised framework also changes travel procedures. Students returning to the US on or after 15 September 2026 may be admitted for a new fixed period based on the programme end date listed on their current Form I-20, up to the four-year limit

Another notable change is the reduction of the post-study grace period. The period available to F-1 students after completing their programme or post-completion OPT or STEM OPT has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days, after which they must depart the country unless they have another valid immigration status or authorisation

The new rules also clarify the position of students pursuing Optional Practical Training. Students who have already filed timely applications for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT within the timelines specified in the final rule are not required to submit a separate Extension of Stay application. Those who travel outside the US before filing for OPT or STEM OPT, however, must apply for both an Extension of Stay and the relevant OPT benefit after returning.

The final rule also retains existing cap-gap protections for eligible students whose H-1B petitions have been filed on time, allowing them to remain in valid F-1 status until the H-1B petition is approved or until the applicable cap-gap period ends

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the revised admission framework is intended to establish a fixed period of authorised stay for student visa holders while introducing a formal extension process for those who need additional time to complete studies or authorised practical training

riod of admission for F, J and I non-immigrants (2026); Open Doors 2024 Report, Institute of International Education (IIE)

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Source: www.bweducation.com