The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a significant modification to existing visa regulations by proposing to eliminate the “Duration of Status” (D/S) provision for F-1 academic students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa holders representing foreign media. This change comes through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would introduce fixed terms of admission in place of the current open-ended arrangement.
Currently, individuals on F, J, and I visas are allowed to stay in the United States as long as they comply with the requirements of their visas, with no specific expiration date. DHS contends that this system makes it difficult to track overstays and monitor for unauthorized activities.
Under the new proposal, visa holders would be admitted for defined periods:
- F-1 and J-1 Visas: Admission would be limited to the duration of the academic or exchange program, up to a maximum of four years, with a 30-day grace period upon completion (down from the present 60 days).
- I Visas: Admission would be restricted to 240 days, except for passport holders from mainland China, who would be limited to 90 days.
After the specified period ends, visa holders would be required to submit an extension of stay application to USCIS or depart the country. Once the fixed term expires, any additional presence in the U.S. would count as unlawful, which could impact future eligibility for admission.
DHS’s goal is to enhance oversight and enable more frequent verification of immigration status, thereby improving national security. Despite these intentions, the proposal has raised concerns among educators and advocates, who fear increased bureaucracy and disruption to academic and professional training, particularly in specialized fields such as medicine. There is also apprehension that the changes might discourage international students and professionals from choosing the U.S. for study or work.
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2025. The public may submit comments until September 27, 2025, with a separate 60-day comment period for feedback on associated information collection changes ending on October 27, 2025.
