More Headache for International Students: US to Roll Out Fixed Period F 1 Visa from September The Department of Homeland Security's decision to scrap the "duration of status" regime for international students in favor of fixed period F 1 visas has sent shockwaves through the academic community.
While proponents argue that this change will bring much needed clarity and efficiency to the visa application process, critics warn that it will have far reaching consequences for students already enrolled in US institutions.
At its core, the new rule imposes a hard cap on the length of time international students can remain in the US. Under the old system, students could stay as long as they were studying, with no fixed end date.