US weighs major student visa change as ‘duration of status’ rule reaches final review

The Biden administration is reviewing a proposed rule that would end the long-standing 'duration of status' policy for foreign students, potentially requiring them to reapply for visas more frequently. The change, which has reached its final review stage at the White House Office of Management and Budget, could significantly alter the terms under which international students study in the United States.

Under the current system, students on F-1 visas are admitted for the duration of their academic program, allowing them to remain in the country as long as they maintain full-time enrollment. The proposed rule would replace this with a fixed period of stay, likely two or four years, after which students would need to seek an extension or reapply.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration policy, has not released details of the final rule. However, the change is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of international students, who contribute over $40 billion annually to the US economy, according to data from the Department of Commerce.

Critics argue that the new rule would create bureaucratic hurdles and uncertainty for students, potentially discouraging them from choosing US institutions. Supporters say it would improve national security by ensuring closer monitoring of visa holders. The rule is expected to be published in the coming weeks, with a public comment period to follow.