The U.S. Department of Homeland Security completed its internal review of a rule that would replace the “Duration of Status” framework with fixed four‑year admission periods for student visas, and the proposal has been approved by the White House OMB pending OIRA review.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has completed an internal review of a rule that would end the “Duration of Status” (D/S) provision for F‑1, J‑1 and certain I‑visa holders.The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has formally approved the proposal, which is now under review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).
The United States announced a comprehensive overhaul of its student‑visa system in early 2026. The Educational Visa Transparency Act, introduced by congressional sponsors in February 2026, calls for expanded SEVIS reporting and the replacement of the D/S framework with fixed admission periods of up to four years for F‑1 and J‑1 visas [1]. The DHS completed its internal review of the rule on May 5, 2026, after which OMB granted formal approval [3]. The proposal is currently undergoing OIRA review, the final step before potential publication in the Federal Register [3].
Key participants include U.S. lawmakers who drafted the Educational Visa Transparency Act, the Department of Homeland Security, the White House Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs [1].
International students—particularly those from high‑enrollment countries such as India—along with U.S. colleges and universities, will be directly affected by the new reporting and admission requirements [1].
Legislative and Regulatory Process
The overhaul began with the introduction of the Educational Visa Transparency Act in February 2026, which sought to broaden SEVIS data collection for all non‑citizen students and staff [1]. Following legislative introduction, DHS drafted a proposed rule that would eliminate the D/S provision and impose a fixed four‑year admission period for F‑1 and J‑1 visa holders, alongside stricter oversight of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) [2].
lawmakers who drafted the Educational Visa Transparency Act, the Department of Homeland Security, the White House Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs [1].
After drafting, DHS conducted an internal review that concluded on May 5, 2026, confirming compliance with existing immigration statutes [3]. The rule then proceeded to the White House OMB, which issued a formal approval, signaling that the administration supports the regulatory change [3]. The final procedural step is a review by OIRA, which evaluates the rule’s economic and policy impacts before it can be published for public comment [3].
Impact on International Students and Institutions
U.S. Government Moves to Replace Duration‑of‑Status Framework with Fixed Four‑Year Student Visa Periods
The proposed fixed admission periods would limit F‑1 and J‑1 visa holders to a maximum of four years of authorized stay per admission, replacing the indefinite “Duration of Status” that currently aligns with program completion [2]. The rule also reduces the post‑completion grace period from 60 days to 30 days, thereby shortening the window for travel or transition to other visa categories [2].
Reporting obligations for schools and non‑citizen staff would increase, requiring quarterly updates to SEVIS on enrollment status, academic progress, and employment authorizations [1]. CPT and OPT programs would face tighter eligibility criteria, including caps on total work hours and more rigorous employer verification [4]. Institutions will need to adjust compliance workflows, and students may need to revise academic plans to accommodate the shorter authorized stay [2].
These changes are expected to affect enrollment decisions for prospective international students, especially those planning multi‑year graduate programs or extended research projects [1]. Universities may experience a shift in the composition of their international student bodies, and scholarship providers could reassess funding models in light of the reduced visa flexibility [4].
Key Facts
What: U.S. proposes to end “Duration of Status” for student visas, replacing it with fixed four‑year admission periods.
Institutions will need to adjust compliance workflows, and students may need to revise academic plans to accommodate the shorter authorized stay [2].
When: Rule reviewed by DHS on May 5, 2026; OMB approved the proposal in June 2026; currently under OIRA review.
Impact: International students will face shorter authorized stays, tighter work‑training rules, and increased reporting requirements; schools must adapt compliance processes.
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