Harvard University has warned international students and scholars about major changes to US visa regulations that are scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
The new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule will replace the long-standing “duration of status” system for F-1 and J-1 visa holders with fixed periods of admission. Harvard’s International Office has advised students and scholars to carefully consider international travel around the transition date.
Under the current system, many international students admitted under “duration of status” can remain in the US as long as they maintain their academic or exchange programme requirements. Under the new rules, eligible students entering the US after September 15 will instead receive a specific “Admit Until Date” on their Form I-94.
In most cases, the admission period will correspond to the expected programme end date, subject to a maximum period of four years.
International students and scholars who are already in the US and maintaining valid status on September 15 may receive certain transition protections. However, students who leave the country and return on or after that date could be admitted under the new fixed-date system.
This distinction has prompted Harvard and other universities to advise international students to check their individual immigration documents and consult their university’s international office before making travel plans.
New extension requirements
The new system could also change how students request additional time to complete their studies. Students who need to remain in the US beyond the expiration date on their I-94 may generally need to apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension of stay.
The rule also reduces the standard grace period for students covered by the new system. F-1 students will generally receive a 30-day grace period after completing their programme or authorised practical training, compared with the current 60-day period. Students covered by transition provisions may continue to receive the longer period where applicable.
The new rules also introduce additional requirements concerning changes to academic programmes, transfers between institutions and certain changes in educational plans.
The changes could be particularly important for Indian students who are planning to travel outside the US around the September 15 transition date. Students should review their I-20, visa and I-94 documents and seek guidance from their university before travelling.
Those expecting to need additional time for their degree, Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT should also understand how the new rules and extension procedures could affect them.
The DHS rule is already facing a legal challenge from a coalition of higher education organisations and labour unions. The groups have argued that the government did not adequately justify the changes and that the new system could make it more difficult for universities to attract and retain international students.
The plaintiffs have asked a federal court to temporarily block the rule while the lawsuit proceeds.
For now, the rule remains scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. International students are being advised to monitor official US immigration guidance and consult their universities before making international travel or study plans around the transition.
