Telangana students face US four-year visa cap
Telangana : The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced sweeping changes to student visa regulations, replacing the long-standing “Duration of Status” (D/S) system with a new Fixed Time Period of Admission rule. The final rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, subject to congressional review.
As a result, universities across the US have urged international students currently visiting their home countries during vacation to return before September 15 to avoid being admitted under the new rules. Institutions have warned that students should reach their campuses before the deadline to retain existing benefits.
Columbia University issues advisory
Columbia University has sent advance notices to its international students, advising them to arrive in New York by September 8, before the start of classes, so they can enter the US before the new regulations come into force. Similar guidance has been issued by several other universities.
Four-year limit replaces ‘Duration of Status’
Under the existing Duration of Status (D/S) policy, F-1 student visa holders could remain in the US for the entire duration of their academic programme, provided they maintained their student status.
Under the new rule, however, F-1, J-1 and I visa holders will generally be admitted for a maximum of four years. Students whose academic programmes extend beyond four years must apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of stay by filing Form I-539 and obtain approval before continuing their studies.
Grace period reduced to 30 days
The rule also shortens the post-study grace period from 60 days to 30 days. After completing their course, students will have only 30 days to leave the US or change their immigration status.
Students already in the US before the rule takes effect will receive transitional protection. They can continue under their existing status until the programme end date listed on their current Form I-20 or until the transition period expires, whichever comes first. The transition provisions are available only to those already in the country before the new rule takes effect.
However, students who are currently abroad and re-enter the US on or after September 15 will be treated under the new admission framework. They will no longe
r qualify for the previous “Duration of Status” protections and will instead be subject to the four-year admission limit. This is why US universities are advising students to return before the September 15 deadline.
