Federal Judge Blocks New DHS Rule Limiting International Student Stays to Four Years

A federal judge has issued a ruling blocking a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that would have limited most international students to a four-year period of admission, effective September 15, 2026. The rule, which aimed to replace the long-standing "duration of status" system, faced strong opposition from higher education institutions and immigration advocates due to concerns about its impact on international student enrollment, university finances, and the ability to attract global talent. The block preserves the previous system while the case continues.