Federal Court Blocks DHS Rule Imposing Fixed Periods for Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

A federal court in Massachusetts issued a nationwide injunction on September 14, 2026, blocking a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that would have eliminated 'duration of status' for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa holders. The rule, which was scheduled to take effect on September 15, would have limited these visa holders to fixed admission periods, requiring extensions for additional time. The court found that DHS did not adequately address public concerns.