Harvard University has advised its international students and scholars to carefully plan their travel and consider returning to the United States before September 15, when new visa rules for F-1 and J-1 holders are expected to take effect.
The proposed changes by the Department of Homeland Security could significantly affect how long international students are allowed to stay in the US.
Under the new framework, the existing “duration of status” or D/S system could be replaced with a fixed period of stay for many F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
At present, eligible students can generally remain in the US as long as they continue their academic programme and maintain valid immigration status.
Under the proposed system, students entering the US may instead receive a specific “Admit Until Date” on their Form I-94, showing how long they are permitted to stay.
Students who are already in the US and maintaining valid status when the new rule takes effect may be covered by transition provisions.
However, those who travel outside the country and return on or after September 15 could become subject to the new fixed-date admission system.
Harvard has therefore advised international students to think carefully before planning overseas travel around the deadline.
Students who need additional time to complete their studies may also have to go through a formal extension process.
The changes could also affect grace periods, programme changes, transfers between universities and other aspects of an international student’s academic journey.
For Indian students, travel around September 15 could therefore have important immigration consequences.
Students planning to visit India or travel to another country should carefully check their visa, Form I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 records before leaving the US.
They are also being advised to contact their university’s international student office before finalising travel plans.
Students who may need additional time for their degree, OPT or STEM OPT should pay particular attention to any new extension requirements.
The proposed policy is also facing legal challenges from higher education and labour organisations.
Until there is further clarity from the courts or the US government, international students are being advised to closely follow official updates and university guidance before making international travel plans.
