The Department of Homeland Security finalized a rule on July 16, 2026, that caps the stay for international students on F-1 and J-1 visas at four years, ending the long-standing 'duration of status' framework that had allowed students to remain in the country as long as they maintained enrollment and good standing since 1978. The rule, which takes effect September 15, 2026, applies to both new arrivals and current students, prompting immigration attorneys at Bolour / Carl Immigration Group to advise on preparation.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the change aims to curb abuse of open-ended student status and shift oversight from campus advisors to federal authorities. Admission will now be tied to the program end date on a student's Form I-20, capped at four years, with extensions requiring filing 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 visa holders are admitted for program length up to four years; those in longer programs, like doctoral or medical training, must apply for an Extension of Stay. After completing a program, students have 30 days—down from 60—to leave or adjust status. Time in Optional Practical Training (OPT) counts toward the four-year limit, and travel abroad can reset the admission clock. Current students, including graduate researchers, may need to begin extension processes early.
California hosts more international students than any other state. They contributed an estimated $6.4 billion to the state's economy and supported over 55,000 jobs in the 2023-24 academic year, according to NAFSA figures cited by the state's attorney general. University of California officials expressed deep concern, noting that at UC Berkeley alone, 6,879 students held F-1 or J-1 visas 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 expires.
