US States Oppose New Time Limits on Study Visas

Sixteen US states have strongly criticized a new proposal from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that would set fixed time limits (four years) for international students’ study visas instead of allowing them to stay for the full duration of their studies (the current system known as “Duration of Status”).

🧾 What the Proposal Says

The DHS wants to:

• Replace the flexible “duration of status” rule with a fixed 4-year visa period for all students.
• Allow extensions only under strict conditions decided by immigration officers.
• Reduce the post-study grace period for F-1 students from 60 days to 30 days.
• Limit English language programs to less than 24 months.
• Stop master’s students from changing programs and first-year students from transferring to another institution.

⚖ Why the States Are Against It

Attorneys general from 16 Democratic-led states (including California, New York, and Washington) called this rule “illogical and harmful.”
They argue that it would:

• Discourage international students from coming to the US.
• Hurt universities and local economies that depend on international enrollment.
• Ignore real-life academic situations such as students needing more time due to changing majors, financial struggles, or family responsibilities.
• Unfairly punish students for small setbacks like failing a class or needing to transfer.

🎓 Impact on Students and Universities

Critics say the new rule would:

• Create more paperwork, uncertainty, and costs for students.
• Disrupt research and innovation, especially in high-demand areas like science and technology.
• Make the US less attractive compared to countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, which offer more flexible visa options.

In fact, a recent survey showed 49% of graduate students said they wouldn’t have enrolled in a US university if this rule had existed before.

🏛 Current Status

• The proposal has received over 20,000 public comments.
• It is now under review by the Trump administration before a final decision is made.
• Many universities, including Brown University, have asked the government to withdraw the rule completely.

🔍 Summary
The US government wants to limit student visas to four years, but many states, universities, and education experts say it’s a bad idea that could harm America’s global education reputation and reduce international student numbers.

📩For more updates and guidance on studying in the US, contact WAC Consultants today!

📩 Email: info@wacconsultants.com

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