This week’s Round-Up starts with news coverage about the proposed rule to eliminate Duration of Status (D/S). This proposed rule would cap student stays at just four years or tie their visa to their I-20, creating unnecessary hurdles for so many of our students who start with a one-year I-20. It’s an unnessary policy that would make studying in the US harder. The good news? The last time a similar rule was proposed, it drew more than 30,000 public comments, and we’re expecting an even bigger response this time. Shorelight has already started preparing our coordinated response with our sector partners, and we’ll be ready for the September 29, 2025, deadline.
More information can be found on the NAFSA website >
Just like many of you, we are watching the fall enrollment numbers, and it’s clear that visa pauses, appointment slowdowns, and rising denials are taking a toll. But here’s the encouraging part: states and universities are finally beginning to speak out. This is exactly the momentum we’ve been working so hard to build with the U.S. for Success Coalition.
Duration of Status - Proposed Rule News
US F-1 Visa Term Limits Will Impact High Achievers, STEM Students
Currently, international students may stay in the US as long as they maintain full-time enrollment. The new DHS rule would cap this period at four years, requiring students to apply for extensions of stay (EOS) if their programmes run longer. This would also shrink the post-study grace period from 60 to 30 days, add biometric vetting, and restrict changes in the programme that, experts say, undermine flexibility, especially for STEM and research-heavy degrees. Learn more on the News by Careers 360 website >
US Bans Indians & Other Foreign Students from Changing College until First Year Is Complete
It appears that the Department of Homeland Security has planned changes that are expected to make it more difficult for foreign journalists, exchange visitors, and international students to pursue education, work, or report from the US.
Interestingly, this expanding list of changes now includes new restrictions on changing colleges or courses, as well as more restrictions on the length of a visa and the OPT grace period. Read more on Trak.in >
Trump Deals a New Immigration Blow to International Students: Here’s Why US Universities Could Lose Thousands
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed eliminating the duration of status for F-1 and J-1 visa holders, instead establishing a fixed maximum stay of four years. Currently, international students can remain legally in the US for the entire length of their studies, including transitions between undergraduate and graduate levels. The new rule would require students to seek extensions if their programmes exceed four years.
According to DHS documents, this change will affect many students, as the median time to complete a bachelor’s degree in the US is around 52 months, or 4.3 years, and PhD studies often take much longer—averaging 5.7 years. The proposed policy also limits language training students to a 24-month stay. Get the full story on MSN.com >
Looking at the Numbers - Updates from Schools Across the Country
International Student Enrollment Drops in US amid Policy Changes
The Association of International Educators says the drop in foreign enrollment could be as high as 15% this fall, which could deprive the U.S. economy of about $7 billion in spending, result in more than 60,000 fewer jobs, and strain school budgets across the country.
Trump acknowledged the importance of international students last week, saying, “I like that other country students come here. And you know what would happen if they didn’t? Our college system would go to hell very quickly.” However, he has also argued that foreign students take slots from Americans and only wants those who “can love our country.” Read more on NBC5 News >
Colleges Face Financial Struggles as International Enrollment Is Plummeting
The decline represents a hit to the bottom line for Central Missouri, a small public university that operates close to its margins with an endowment of only $65 million. International students typically account for nearly a quarter of its tuition revenue.
“We aren’t able to subsidize domestic students as much when we have fewer international students who are bringing revenue to us,” said Roger Best, the university’s president. Learn more on the Salina Post >
International Student Enrollment Slips under Trump. How Is MSU Mankato Moving Forward?
Our numbers, as is the national trend, are down a little bit. This, of course, is due to the pause in visa issuance that was announced May 27, the travel bans that were announced in June and the challenges that we experienced last spring. Get the full story on MPR News >
