DHS F/J Visa Fixed-Duration Rule Enters Final White House Review

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on August 28, 2025, proposing to end the decades-old 'duration of status' (D/S) admission policy for international students on F visas and exchange visitors on J visas. Under the proposal, students would instead be admitted only until the end date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, capped at four years plus a 30-day grace period. A 30-day public comment period closed on September 29, 2025, and DHS is now finalizing the rule with White House review underway. If enacted, the rule would also require students to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay if their program exceeds the initial admission period, and would restrict mid-program academic changes. The final rule is expected to take effect 30–60 days after publication. Students currently enrolled or planning to study in the U.S. should monitor their institution's international student office for updates, as the rule could significantly affect multi-year graduate programs and OPT eligibility timelines. Immigration attorneys recommend that affected students review their I-20 end dates and consult advisors as the rule moves toward finalization.