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The Trump administration introduced a rule capping initial F-1 student visa admissions at four years, requiring students to apply to DHS or re-enter the US to extend their stay. The policy also restricts starting new programs at the same or lower academic level after completing a degree and reduces the post-program departure window from 60 to 30 days.

The Trump administration has finalized a rule limiting international students to a maximum four-year stay in the U.S. unless granted federal approval, with additional restrictions on changing academic programs. The policy, effective September, faces criticism from higher education leaders who argue it creates administrative burdens and undermines existing oversight systems.

The Trump administration finalized a rule limiting international students to a four-year stay in the U.S. unless approved by the federal government, effective in September. The rule also restricts changing majors or academic programs and faces opposition from higher education leaders, who argue it creates administrative burdens and sends a negative message amid declining international student enrollment.