White House Reviewing Rule to Limit Foreign Students’ Status
We are still awaiting the Administration’s final rule on the Duration of Status change, a topic we have covered in previous updates. This week, the final rule was sent to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for its last review. Based on this development, the final rule could be released as early as next week. The proposed rule included a 60-day implementation period starting from its release date. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available.
A proposed rule circulated last year would do away with an existing open-ended framework known as “duration
of status” that allows international students to remain in the country as long as they’re pursuing a full course of study. The Department of Homeland Security proposal instead would limit them to four-year stay periods before they’re required to renew their status with the agency.
The final rule (RIN: 1653-AA95) was sent to OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on Tuesday.
US quietly lifts visa freeze for foreign doctors amid shortage
While this may not directly affect international students, it illustrates how swiftly a travel ban can be rescinded. In this instance, sustained pressure proved to be an effective strategy.
More than 20 medical associations, including the American academies of family physicians, neurology, and pediatrics, wrote to US authorities in April expressing 'urgent concern' over barriers to qualified physicians. They sought a national-interest exemption and expedited processing, warning that the freeze could disrupt care in critical areas. The quiet policy update appears to have followed this coordinated advocacy, though many affected doctors have yet to be formally notified of changes.
As H-1B rules tighten, Seattle’s immigrant tech workers weigh leaving the US
While this story primarily explores the challenges and difficult decisions faced by H-1B visa holders in the US, it also underscores the long-term value of an American education. Many international students rely on OPT and H-1B programs to help pay off their educational loans, regardless of whether they plan to stay in the US long-term. However, as both programs face increasing uncertainty and challenges, some students are beginning to question if the risk is worth the reward.
“It has been a real struggle for the last decade or so for my family and me,” he said. “When it gets to a point where even planning a simple vacation outside the US or going to meet family, to see your parents, all of the simple things become challenging, then you stop and consider whether it’s all worth continuing here.”