DHS Implements New Rule Limiting International Student Stays and Curricular Practical Training

A new rule by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), effective September 15, 2026, will limit how long many international students and exchange visitors can stay in the country without applying for an extension. This ends a nearly 50-year policy allowing students to remain for the length of their academic program. Additionally, new guidance explicitly limits Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to programs where all students are required to complete a training opportunity, impacting work authorization for international students.