U.S. Department of Homeland Security Implements New F-1 Student Visa Regulations

New regulations for F-1 student visas, effective September 15, 2026, will establish fixed periods of admission, replacing the previous 'duration of status' system. This change will impact international students by setting a four-year deadline for program completion, reducing the post-completion grace period from 60 to 30 days, and imposing new restrictions on academic mobility and changes to educational levels or majors. These changes are expected to introduce new costs and uncertainties for current and prospective international students.