Higher education bodies urge DHS to scrap proposed rule that limits duration of student visas; warn of damage to US global talent pipeline

A broad coalition of US higher education organizations is urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed rule that would replace the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) policy for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors with fixed, four-year visa terms. The groups warn that the change would harm US colleges and universities, deter global talent, and disrupt the academic careers of thousands of students and scholars.

The rule, published by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Aug 28 Federal Register, would cap most student and scholar visas at four years, restrict transfers and changes of academic programs, shorten the post-completion grace period from 60 to 30 days, and limit English-language study to 24 months. Students needing more time for degree completion — such as PhD candidates, joint-degree students, medical residents, and community-college transfers — would be forced to apply for one or more extensions through a new, untested “extension of status” (EOS) process that critics say lacks clear timelines or appeals.

The proposed rule was analyzed by TOI in its edition of August 29.

In public comments submitted this week, the American Council on Education (ACE) and 53 other higher-education associations called the rule “flawed” and said it tries to address problems that do not exist. “If implemented, the rule would severely restrict the opportunities of international students and discourage them from choosing the United States,” the groups wrote.

The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration (Presidents Alliance) echoed those concerns, warning that the rule would impose “rigid academic timelines,” duplicate oversight already provided by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and add “bureaucratic hurdles” that would intrude on academic decision-making and create financial and emotional burdens for students.

“If implemented, this rule would cause significant harm to students and institutions … and likely dissuade international students, researchers, and scholars from coming to the United States, with damaging consequences for institutions, small businesses, local communities, and the broader economy,” said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance.

Higher-education leaders stressed that many students already take more than four years to complete degrees: federal data show that even some undergraduates need additional time. They warned that the EOS requirement could create massive backlogs similar to delays seen with Optional Practical Training (OPT) approvals.

The groups also criticized limits on program transfers and changes of major in the first year, saying the proposal would reduce flexibility that domestic students take for granted and shift authority over academic progress from universities to federal officials.

The proposed rule comes as US institutions continue to compete globally for top talent. International students contributed an estimated $44 billion to the US economy in 2023-24, supporting nearly 380,000 jobs, while also advancing research and innovation and strengthening cross-border ties. Educational experts warn that the new restrictions could accelerate recent declines in international enrollment, raising tuition for domestic students and undermining US competitiveness.

Both ACE and the Presidents’ Alliance urged DHS to withdraw the rule entirely and engage directly with higher-education stakeholders to address any legitimate concerns without jeopardizing the United States’ long-standing appeal as a premier destination for global talent.