Judge Halts New Rule Restricting International Student Stays to Four Years

A federal judge has blocked a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that would have limited most international students to a four-year period of admission. This decision prevents the rule from taking effect as planned today, September 15, 2026, for all students. The ruling comes amidst a lawsuit filed by university groups and attorneys, leaving the previous "duration of status" system in place for now.