Federal Judge Blocks New US Student Visa Rule Capping 'Duration of Status'

A federal judge has granted nationwide preliminary relief, blocking a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that would have replaced the 'Duration of Status' system with fixed admission periods for international students, effective September 15, 2026. The order, issued on September 14, keeps the existing Duration of Status framework in place while legal challenges proceed. The blocked rule would have generally capped admission periods at four years for F and J degree students, requiring extensions for longer programs.