Proposed Rule Would Affect “Duration of Status” for F, J, and I Visa Applicants

The Trump Administration issued a proposed rule to end the current “duration of status” policy that pertains to students and others applying for F, J, and I visas.

Under the proposal, which was issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, international students applying to study in the United States under an F or J visa (or I visa for international media visitors) would no longer be admitted for an open-ended “duration of status,” but instead for a fixed period limited to four years plus 30 days. Students wishing to stay longer than four years would need to file an “extension of stay” application with the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service.

The notice, which was published in the Federal Register on August 28, has a 30-day comment period on the proposed changes, and a separate 60-day comment period on the affected “collection instruments,” including SEVIS and the required forms.

NAICU is engaging with other members of the higher education community to author and submit comments on the proposal, which could pose significant complications for students and institutions.

For more information, please contact:
Karin Johns