DHS Implements New F-1 Visa Rules for International Students

A new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation, effective September 15, 2026, will replace the "duration of status" system for F-1 visa holders with a fixed period of admission, generally not exceeding four years. This change introduces new uncertainties, potential additional costs, and processes for international students. Higher education institutions have expressed concerns about the impact on academic mobility and enrollment.