Washington: The White House has finalized a new rule that would impose strict time limits on the stay of foreign students arriving in the United States on F1 visas. The proposal has already received approval from the Office of Management and Budget, and an official announcement is expected shortly, after which it will come into effect.
Under the proposed rule by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), students on a student visa would be allowed to remain in the United States for a fixed period of four years. Those wishing to continue beyond that period to complete their course would be required to apply for a renewal directly with the DHS.
Under the current system, a student is permitted to stay in the US for as long as it takes to complete their studies. If additional time is needed to finish a course, the student can extend their visa year by year through the Designated School Official of their educational institution. The new rule would put an end to this long-standing practice.
The new regulation will impose fixed time limits on the stay of individuals visiting the United States on F, J, and I category visas.