Trump Administration Revises International Student Visa Rules, Ending 'Duration of Status' for F-1 and J-1 Visas

The Trump administration is implementing a revision to visa rules for international students, effective September 15, 2026, which will end 'duration of status' for most F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Instead, students will be admitted for a predetermined period, generally four years, requiring reapplication to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for extensions. This change is expected to disrupt teaching and research at U.S. universities and has prompted a lawsuit from higher education groups and unions.