United States scraps indefinite stay rules for international student and journalist visas
The U.S. will no longer allow open-ended stays under Duration of Status rules for F, J, and I visas effective September 15, 2026, imposing strict time limits and tighter controls that could trigger shorter grace periods and costly extensions.
The U.S. administration has finalised a rule that marks a historic shift in the country’s immigration policy. The Duration of Status (D/S) policy—which had allowed international students, researchers, and journalists to remain in the United States for the open-ended duration of their programmes—has officially been scrapped.
Every U.S. entry visa will now carry a fixed, definitive end date for authorised stays.
Ending open-ended student stays: F and J visas
Under the previous system, foreign students (F visa) or exchange programme participants (J visa) could remain in the United States for as long as needed to complete their degrees, even if switching majors or experiencing programme extensions. The new framework replaces that flexibility with unprecedented rigidity.
Key changes:
Absolute 4-year cap: Authorised stays will be strictly limited to the estimated programme length, never exceeding 4 consecutive years.
Impact on long programmes: Doctoral students or programmes exceeding four years will require a paid and complex Extension of Stay application to USCIS.
Reduced grace period: The post-graduation grace period—previously 60 days to secure Optional Practical Training (OPT) or switch visa types—will drop to 30 days.
💡 Our agency’s take: For international visa holders, the rules become far less forgiving. A single delayed semester, a partially validated course load, or an administrative slip in SEVIS could push travellers into unlawful status. Advance planning is now essential.
Tighter limits for media professionals: I visas
Journalists and production crews entering on I visas once enjoyed stays pegged to the duration of their media assignments. That permissive approach is over.
Nationality of Holder | Maximum Admission Duration | Extension Availability |
All other locations (Standard) | 240 days (about 8 months) | Yes, in 240-day increments cap. |
Mainland China | 90 days | Yes, subject to heightened scrutiny. |
Press-freedom watchdogs such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists warn that forcing frequent renewals could amount to indirect censorship.
Why the shift now?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) frames the reform as a security and logistical necessity. Growing visa volumes have strained federal oversight:
~1.8 million F-visa entries recorded in 2024.
500,000 J-visa entries for exchange programmes.
37,300 I-visa admissions for media professionals.
The new rules take effect 15 September 2026—60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
As a customer relations manager, my responsibilities include processing and tracking visa applications. I stay up to date with travel news, including new entry requirements and the specifics of different visa types.
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