The White House is moving closer to a decision on a proposed rule that could change how long foreign students can remain in the United States on F-1 visas.
The plan is currently under review by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
It seeks to replace the existing “duration of status” system, which allows international students to stay in the US as long as they remain enrolled in a full-time course of study and maintain valid status.
Under the proposed rule, F-1 visa holders would face fixed stay limits, generally capping their stay in the country at four years.
Students who need more time would have to renew or extend their status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Similar restrictions are also proposed for J-1 exchange visitors, while additional limits could apply to foreign media representatives on I visas.
The rule, identified as RIN: 1653-AA95, was sent to OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on Tuesday, marking one of the final stages before it can be officially published.
The proposal revives an idea first introduced during the previous Trump administration.
It had earlier faced strong opposition from universities and healthcare organisations, which warned that fixed time limits could disrupt academic progress and create unnecessary administrative burdens, along with emotional stress and pressure on students and scholars.
The move comes after earlier policy shifts affecting international students, including visa interview delays and cases in which thousands reportedly had their legal status affected, creating uncertainty across US campuses.
According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, foreign student enrolment at US universities fell this past autumn for the first time in three years.
Immigration expert Emily Neumann said the rule is now close to final approval.
“The proposed regulation establishing a fixed time period of admission for F-1 students has been submitted to OMB for final approval. OMB review under the Trump administration has been quite fast, so expect a final regulation to be published within the next two months or so,” she said.
If finalised, the rule would mark a major shift from the current flexible system that has long allowed international students to remain in the US for the duration of their studies without a strict time cap.
The White House review will determine whether the proposal moves forward in its current form or undergoes further changes before publication.
