New Federal Rule Capping International Student Visa Durations at Four Years to Take Effect September 15

A new federal rule that caps F-1 and J-1 visa durations for international students and scholars at four years is set to go into effect on September 15. International students who wish to extend their degree programs or start new ones will now be required to obtain a formal extension to their Form I-20. Students admitted before the rule's effective date and who are in the U.S. by September 15 can stay until their program ends, provided it's no later than November 14, 2030.