US introduces fixed period of stay for F-1 students
Starting September 15, the United States is introducing a new stay procedure for foreign F-1 students: the US Department of Homeland Security is abolishing the “duration of status” system and moving to a fixed period of admission to the country. Dawn reports.
Under the new rules, F-1 students will generally be admitted for the duration of the academic program indicated on Form I-20, but for no more than four years. The rules also provide for 30 days before the program begins to enter the United States and 30 days after completing studies or authorized post-completion practical training to depart.
Extension of stay
Students who need more time to complete their current program, begin another program, or undertake OPT or STEM OPT must take additional steps. They may file an application with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to extend their stay or leave the United States and receive a new period of admission upon their next entry through US Customs and Border Protection.
Before filing an application, the Department of Homeland Security advises students to consult a designated school official at their educational institution. To extend their stay, they must file Form I-539 with USCIS after receiving the appropriate recommendation in an updated Form I-20.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Transitional rules and travel
F-1 students who are in the United States under the old system as of September 15 do not need to immediately file a new application. Under the transitional rules, they may remain in the country until the end date of their relevant program, OPT, or STEM OPT. Overall, this transitional period will last no later than November 14, 2030.
At the same time, students who leave the United States after September 15 may be admitted under the new fixed-term system upon their return. Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Cornell, and Stanford universities have urged international students to contact their international offices before making decisions on travel or immigration matters. Yale University also advises checking Form I-94 after every international trip.
The new rules reduce the period for departure after completing a program or OPT/STEM OPT from 60 to 30 days for those covered by the new system. Separate restrictions apply to changing majors, educational levels, and transfers between institutions. The changes also cover participants in J-1 exchange programs and some I visa holders, including representatives of foreign media.
