International students studying in the United States, including those from India, have been advised by some universities to return to the country before September 15 if they want to remain under the existing immigration framework.
The advice applies mainly to F-1 student visa holders and J-1 exchange visitors who are currently outside the US for academic breaks.
The warning comes ahead of a new Department of Homeland Security rule that will replace the long-standing “Duration of Status” system with a fixed period of admission.
Under the new rule, international students and exchange visitors may be admitted for a maximum period of four years.
Columbia University, in a notice to students, recommended that they return to New York before classes begin on September 8, 2026, as the new rule has a 60-day implementation period.
What the New Rule Says
The DHS has introduced a maximum four-year stay for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and I visa holders, who include foreign journalists.
The rule is expected to affect a large number of Indian students and professionals in the United States.
It also reduces the grace period after completion of studies from 60 days to 30 days.
Students who need more time to complete their courses, research or training will have to apply for an extension through Form I-539 and receive approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15.
Under the present Duration of Status system, F-1 students can remain in the US as long as they continue to maintain valid academic status.
Who Can Continue Under the Existing System?
According to the DHS, students who are already present in the US under Duration of Status on September 15 may continue until the programme completion date mentioned on their Form I-20 or until the end of their approved OPT or STEM OPT period.
However, this protection will reportedly be subject to an overall four-year limit from the effective date.
It also cannot extend beyond November 14, 2030, including the permitted departure period.
Indian Students Face Fresh Anxiety
The proposed change has created concern among Indian students and professionals, particularly those enrolled in long-term degree programmes or research projects.
Khanderao Kand, chief of policy and strategy at the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies, described the rule as damaging to US competitiveness.
He argued that many modern degree programmes take longer than four years to complete. A bachelor’s degree can take more than four years, while doctoral programmes often require five to seven years.
FIIDS also warned that J-1 research scholars, doctors and students in research-intensive programmes could face major difficulties under the new system.
The requirement to seek USCIS approval for extensions could delay graduations, interrupt research projects and create uncertainty for universities and laboratories that depend on international talent.
FIIDS has urged the US government to delay the rule, protect students already enrolled in academic programmes and ensure that immigration enforcement does not disrupt degree pathways that support American research and innovation.
