US ends ‘Duration of Status’: What the new fixed visa rules mean for F-1, J-1, and I holders

In a significant shift that could reshape how international students, exchange visitors, and media representatives navigate life in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed to replace the long-standing “duration of status” framework with fixed admission periods.

The move, announced through a notice of proposed rulemaking issued by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), marks one of the most consequential immigration policy changes in recent years, directly affecting F-1 academic students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa holders from foreign media organisations. For decades, these groups were admitted under “duration of status,” a system that allowed them to stay as long as they complied with the terms of their visas, without a pre-set end date.

Now, DHS wants to bring them in line with most other nonimmigrant visa categories, where admission is granted only for a specific period.

Why DHS wants change

According to DHS, the current open-ended framework “does not afford immigration officers enough predetermined opportunities to directly verify that aliens are engaging only in authorised activities.” Officials argue that fixed time limits would allow them to periodically assess compliance, deter fraud, and strengthen the integrity of the visa system.

The sheer scale of arrivals has added urgency. In 2023 alone, more than 1.6 million F-1 students, over 500,000 J-1 exchange visitors, and 32,470 I visa holders entered the US. The Department believes the proposed rules will give immigration authorities clearer oversight in managing such large numbers.

What the proposed rules say

The draft regulations outline a series of changes:

Extensions of stay will be possible, but students, visitors, and journalists will need to apply directly to DHS rather than relying on automatic status linked to ongoing enrollment or work.

What this means for international students and professionals

For F-1 students, especially those pursuing longer academic programs or engaging in optional practical training, the shift adds a new layer of uncertainty. No longer can students assume they are secure for the entirety of their degree simply by staying enrolled; they will need to plan for mid-course extensions. For J-1 exchange visitors, including scholars and researchers, the rules may compress already tight timelines for collaborative projects.

And for foreign journalists, the 240-day cap could make long-term coverage of US affairs significantly harder.

Oversight vs. opportunity

DHS frames the proposal as a matter of national security and program integrity. Yet for students and universities, the change may be seen as another barrier in an already complex immigration landscape. The US remains a top destination for higher education, but additional uncertainty about visa renewals could prompt some to consider alternatives in Canada, Australia, or Europe, where policies are comparatively more predictable.

The road ahead

The proposed rule is now open for public comment under Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001, giving universities, student groups, and media organisations a chance to weigh in before final regulations are issued. Whatever form the final policy takes, the message is clear: The indefinite “duration of status” is ending. For international students and professionals, this is more than a bureaucratic adjustment, it is a signal that immigration pathways are narrowing, oversight is tightening, and long-term planning in the United States will now require even greater foresight.(with ANI inputs) TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.