The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a rule that caps the stay of international students in the United States at four years, ending the long-standing "duration of status" framework. The change, effective September 15, 2026, applies to both new and current F-1 and J-1 visa holders, requiring many to seek federal permission to remain beyond four years. According to Fox 11 Los Angeles, the rule replaces a policy in place since 1978 that allowed students to stay as long as they maintained enrollment and good standing.
The Department of Homeland Security stated the change aims to curb abuse of open-ended student status and shift oversight from campus advisors to federal authorities. The agency's guidance for students explains that admission will be tied to the program end date on the Form I-20, capped at four years. Students needing more time, such as those in doctoral or medical programs lasting six to seven years, must file an Extension of Stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Higher-education groups warn the added paperwork and uncertainty could drive global talent to other countries.
The rule reshapes student planning: F-1 and J-1 visitors are admitted for up to four years; longer programs require extensions and additional vetting; the grace period after program completion shrinks from 60 to 30 days; Optional Practical Training counts toward the four-year limit; and travel abroad can reset the admission clock. Because the rule applies to current students, some graduate researchers may need to begin extension processes before finishing degrees.
California hosts more international students than any other state, contributing an estimated $6.4 billion to its economy and supporting over 55,000 jobs in 2023-24, according to NAFSA figures cited by the state's attorney general. University of California officials expressed deep concern, noting UC Berkeley alone had 6,879 F-1 or J-1 visa holders last fall. Attorney General Rob Bonta led a coalition of 16 attorneys general opposing the measure while it was a proposal.
"Control over a student's timeline now moves from the university to the federal government," said Alexander Carl, an attorney with Bolour / Carl Immigration Group. "For anyone in a longer program like a PhD or medical training, the safest move is to plan for the extension process early rather than waiting until a deadline is near." The firm advises students to keep SEVIS records accurate, stay in contact with designated school officials, and factor extension timing into plans well before the four-year window ends.
