A Potential Change to Student & Exchange Visas: What We Know So Far

The U.S. government is considering a change that could reshape how international students and exchange visitors stay in the country.

At a high level, the proposal would:

• Replace the current flexible “duration of status” (D/S) system
• Introduce a fixed end date for your stay in the U.S.
• Require formal applications to extend your stay if you need more time
• Shorten certain grace periods and limit some academic flexibility

In other words, instead of staying in the U.S. for as long as your program continues, you would be given a specific timeline—and would need to take action to extend it.

Before we go further, here’s the most important thing to keep in mind:

This is only a proposed rule.

Nothing has been finalized yet. We do not know exactly if, when, or how these changes will be implemented. The government is still reviewing feedback, and the final version (if issued) could look different.

We understand that even hearing about a possible change like this can feel stressful—especially when it affects something as important as your education and future plans. The good news is that you are early. You have time to understand what’s being proposed, and we’ll continue to keep a close eye on things and share updates as more details become available.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Let’s Start With the Basics: What Is “Duration of Status”?

Right now, many international students and exchange visitors benefit from something called “duration of status” (often shortened to D/S). This system is actually more flexible than it might sound at first.

When you enter the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa today:

• You are not given a strict “end date” on your stay
• Instead, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. for as long as you are actively participating in your program
• Your school or program sponsor helps manage extensions internally if your timeline changes

In real life, this means you can focus on school, research, or training without constantly worrying about a countdown clock on your stay. It also means that transferring or extending academic programs can be done with greater ease. For many students, this flexibility has been a quiet but important benefit of studying in the U.S.

What Is the Government Proposing to Change?

The proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would replace this flexible system with something more structured. This proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on August 18, 2025. 

Instead of being admitted for “duration of status,” students and exchange visitors would be admitted for a fixed period of time with a clear expiration date.

At a high level, this shifts the experience from:

• “Stay as long as your program continues.”

to:

• “Stay until this specific date—then take action if you need more time.”

Let’s walk through what those changes could look like in practice.

A Fixed End Date on Your Stay

Under the proposal, your I-94 (the official record of your admission to the U.S.) would include a specific end date.

This date would typically be:

• The expected end of your academic or exchange program, or
• A maximum of four years, whichever comes first

This is different from today’s open-ended system.

At first glance, having a clear date might feel more predictable. However, if your plans change—or your program takes longer than expected—you would now need to take formal steps to maintain your status and stay in the country.

Extensions Would Become a Formal Process

One of the biggest shifts in this proposal is how extensions would work.

Right now, if you need more time:

• Your school official (like a DSO) can often update your program dates internally
• You typically do not need to file a separate application with the government

Under the proposed rule, that would change.

Instead, you would potentially need to:

• File an official Extension of Stay application with USCIS
• Pay a government filing fee
• Wait for approval before your current stay expires

This introduces a new layer of planning—and a bit more pressure to stay ahead of deadlines.

For longer programs, internships, or additional training (like OPT), students may need to file multiple extensions over time, not just one.

Shorter Grace Periods (Less Time to Transition)

Another change that may seem small—but could feel big in real life—is the grace period.

Currently, F-1 students typically have 60 days after finishing their program to:

• Prepare to leave the U.S.
• Transfer to another school
• Apply for a different visa or benefit

Under the proposal, this would be reduced to 30 days.

That’s half the time to make some pretty important decisions.

If you’ve ever gone through the end of a program, you know that those final weeks can already feel busy and emotional. A shorter grace period would make planning ahead even more important.

Changes to Academic Flexibility

The proposal also introduces new rules around how students can move through their academic journey.

These changes are meant to create more structure, but they may also limit flexibility.

For example:

• Undergraduate students may not be able to change majors or transfer schools during their first year
• Graduate students may not be allowed to change programs at all
• Students may not be able to pursue another degree at the same or lower education level

For students who are still exploring their path—or who discover new opportunities along the way—this could make decisions feel more “locked in” from the beginning.

Staying in Status Becomes More Time-Sensitive

Under the current system, there is greater flexibility in how status is maintained.

Under the proposed system:

• Your lawful stay would be tied directly to your I-94 expiration date
• If that date passes and you haven’t filed an extension, you could begin accruing unlawful presence even if you technically have not finished your academic program. 

In simpler terms, timelines would matter more than ever.

This doesn’t mean the system becomes impossible—it just means it becomes more structured and deadline-driven.

Why Is This Change Being Proposed?

DHS has stated that the goal of these changes is to:

• Improve oversight of student and exchange visitor programs
• Strengthen program integrity
• Better track who is in the U.S. and for how long

At the same time, many schools and organizations have raised concerns that these changes could:

• Increase administrative workload
• Add complexity for students
• Impact enrollment and long-term planning

Like many policy changes, there are different perspectives—and that’s part of why the proposal is still under review.

What Happens Next?

Right now, this rule is still under review.

Here’s what that means in plain terms:

• The proposal has already been published and reviewed publicly
• Government agencies are considering feedback
• A final version may or may not be issued

If a final rule is published, it would likely take effect about 60 days later.

Until then, nothing has changed for current students.

What This Means for You (Right Now)

At this stage, the most important takeaway is this:

You don’t need to take action yet—but it’s smart to stay informed.

If this rule does move forward, the experience of being an international student in the U.S. would likely shift toward:

• More structured timelines
• More government filings
• More proactive planning

And while that may sound intimidating, it’s also something that can be navigated with the right tools and support.

How SimpleCitizen Plans to Help

If this proposal becomes a final rule, SimpleCitizen is preparing to support students and other exchange visitors through these changes.

We’re actively working on solutions designed to help you:

• Understand your deadlines clearly (without confusion)
• Prepare and file extension applications step by step
• Stay organized so nothing slips through the cracks
• Get guidance when you’re unsure what to do next

Our goal is simple: take something that feels complicated and make it feel manageable.

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Final Thoughts

Any time there’s a potential policy change, it’s completely natural to feel a little uncertain—especially when it touches something as important as your ability to study, work, and plan your future.

But here’s the bigger picture: this is still a proposal. Nothing has changed yet, and you have time to understand what’s being discussed and what it could mean for you.

As things evolve, we’ll continue to monitor updates closely and break them down in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to follow—so you can stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

And if these changes do move forward, you won’t be navigating them on your own. There will be clear steps to take, and support available to help you move forward with confidence.

We’re glad you’re here!

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