{
  "id": 7373838,
  "title": "New US rules change how international students can stay in America",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/new-us-rules-change-how-international-students-can-stay-in-america",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T17:57:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2029909/new-us-rules-change-how-international-students-can-stay-in-america"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, the United States will introduce a significant change to its immigration system, impacting international students. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is phasing out the \"duration of status\" system for F-1 students and implementing a fixed period of admission instead. Under the new rule, F-1 students will be admitted for the length of their academic program, typically up to four years, with a 30-day window to arrive before the program starts and 30 days to leave after it ends. If they need more time to complete their program, switch to another program, or undertake post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT, they will need to apply for an extension through the USCIS or leave the U.S. and reapply for a new period of admission upon returning.\n\nStudents who are already in the U.S. under the existing system can remain in status until their program or OPT/STEM OPT ends, provided they follow the transition rules. The change comes into effect on September 15, but students do not need to apply for an extension immediately upon this date. Universities across the U.S. are advising international students to pay close attention to travel plans and their Form I-94 forms as the new rules take effect. Institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Cornell, and Stanford have released guidance to help students understand the changes and navigate their immigration and travel decisions accordingly. The DHS also extends the new fixed-period system to J-1 exchange visitors and certain I-visa holders, requiring them to seek an extension if they need additional time, while other nonimmigrant categories like H-1B, L-1, O-1, and B-1/B-2 remain unchanged.",
  "summary": "WASHINGTON: A major change in the US immigration system is set to take effect on Tuesday, requiring international students to keep closer track of how long they are authorised to remain in the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is ending the longstanding “duration of status” system for F-1 students and replacing it with a fixed period of admission. Under the new rule, F-1 students…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}