DHS Proposal to End Duration of Status: What International Students Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a major change to immigration rules that could reshape the future of international education in America. The proposed rule would eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors — a policy that has allowed students to remain in the United States as long as they make normal academic progress.

Instead, DHS wants to replace D/S with a fixed admission period of up to four years (or less, depending on the program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019).

👉 Read the DHS Proposed Rule

What This Means for Students

If this rule goes into effect, many students will be directly affected:

• Longer programs won’t fit. Ph.D. programs typically take 5–7 years, and medical, law, and dual-degree programs often exceed 4 years. Nearly all students in these fields would have to apply for an extension of stay.

• More paperwork and costs. Students would need to file an application with USCIS (Form I-539) to extend their status. This comes with filing fees, possible biometrics appointments, and long processing times.

• Uncertainty in completing studies. If USCIS denies an extension, a student could suddenly fall out of status and face removal or re-entry bars.

• Restricted academic flexibility. The rule would limit the ability to change majors, pursue additional degrees, or transfer programs. For example, a student switching from business to computer science could be penalized.

Why This Matters for the U.S.

Ending D/S doesn’t just harm students — it harms America’s universities, economy, and global competitiveness:

• Impact on education: Universities would face enrollment declines, increased administrative costs, and less flexibility to support students.

• Impact on research and innovation: International students contribute to cutting-edge research in STEM, healthcare, and other critical fields. Delays and denials could slow down innovation.

• Impact on the economy: According to NAFSA, international students contribute billions to the U.S. economy each year. New barriers could cost the U.S. more than $7 billion in revenue and 60,000 jobs in the 2025–2026 academic yearDuration of Status Briefing Doc….

• Impact on competitiveness: Other countries, like Canada and Australia, are making their immigration systems more welcoming. If the U.S. adds restrictions, students may simply go elsewhere.

What You Can Do: Submit a Comment

The public has until Monday, September 29, 2025 (Midnight ET) to submit comments on this proposed rule. Your voice matters — DHS must review and respond to substantive comments.

• Submit online: DHS Proposed Rule

• Deadline: September 29, 2025, at Midnight (ET).

Comments can be submitted anonymously.

Resources to Help You Comment

• 📘 Briefing Document: Duration of Status Explained – Background and analysis of how the rule affects students, universities, and the economy.

• 📄 Guidance and Example Comments – Step-by-step instructions and sample student-focused comments

• 📝 Model Public Comment Template – A ready-to-use template you can adapt for your own comment.

Final Thoughts

International students bring knowledge, diversity, and economic vitality to the U.S. education system. The proposed changes would add unnecessary burdens, reduce flexibility, and make U.S. education less attractive worldwide.

💡 Now is the time to act. Submit your comment before September 29 to make your voice heard.