On September 25, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule to eliminate duration of status (D/S) for F and J visa holders, which would limit the length of approved stay in the US, and require a new application process to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for extensions of stay. This item is at the proposed rule stage and no changes have gone into effect. This proposal must proceed through the normal APA public notice and comment procedures before any final rule is published. It is unknown if and when this rule will be finalized and to what extent.
USC’s senior administration and legal counsel are working with higher education partners across the U.S. to analyze the impact of the proposed rule and are preparing to make a public comment, via the official government channels, advocating against the restrictive and harmful aspects of the rule.
OIS and USC continue to advocate for national policies that support and strengthen international education, and oppose those actions that seek to limit U.S. higher education from welcoming the best and brightest students and scholars from around the world. OIS will continue to provide updates about the status of this proposed rule when new information becomes available.