Overview
- The Department of Homeland Security published the final rule Thursday that replaces the five‑decade “duration of status” system with fixed admission periods for F, J and I nonimmigrant visas.
- Under the rule, most students and exchange visitors will be admitted for up to four years and many foreign journalists will receive initial stays capped at 240 days, with a 90‑day limit for some Chinese passport holders.
- Anyone needing more time must file an Extension of Stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, submit biometrics, pay fees and await adjudication rather than rely on institutional paperwork.
- The rule halves the post‑completion grace period from 60 to 30 days, restricts graduate program changes and transfers, and could force doctoral students and OPT participants to seek extensions mid‑program.
- Universities and press groups warn of declines in enrollment and disrupted coverage while China has called the limits discriminatory and Congress and courts now have a window to review or challenge the regulation.