International students’ visas will soon be capped at four years, regardless of the length of their degree program, per a July 16 ruling by the Department of Homeland Security.
The new rule will go into effect September 15, pending Congressional review, and will further restrict academic program changes and grace periods. This applies to nonimmigrant students (F visas), which include students pursuing study at a U.S. university or English language program, and exchange visitors (J visas). Visas in these categories will now be issued for the exact duration of the degree program, with a maximum of four years.
Current visa holders will be held to the new rule automatically and have their stay capped at four years from the effective date of the rule change, according to DHS.
Previously, F and J visas were valid so long as a student stayed enrolled in university. Now, F visa holders must also leave the U.S. after 30 days instead of 60 days following a change in their educational status, like graduation or transferring institutions.
Currently, 1,923 international undergraduate students and 4,873 international graduate students are enrolled at UT, according to Texas Global. Many graduate student degrees take longer than four years to complete, according to Coursera, and the University allows students to work towards a graduate degree for up to six years. The median time to complete a bachelor’s degree is 4.3 years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
The University has yet to publish guidance for students with F and J visas, but International Student and Scholar Services at Texas Global wrote on its website that it is looking into the rule’s impact on the community and will offer webinars for students and scholars in the coming weeks. Texas Global declined a request for comment.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin wrote in a July 16 news release he hopes the change will prevent international students from “abus(ing)” the current open-ended visa system, and keep students focused on completing their degree. DHS said some international students prolong their stay by enrolling in classes while not working toward a degree.
“For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S. indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the U.S.,” Mullin wrote. “This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home.”
Elissa Steglich, co-director of the UT School of Law immigration clinic, said this change shifts the authority of universities to “support and direct” international students to DHS. She said this change may prevent international students from graduating due to the limit.
“It is going to impact higher education and (the) University of Texas, in terms of our ability to attract international students … as well as the United States, as a hub of learning and research and scholarship,” Steglich said.
Steglich said the reduction from 60 to 30 days to leave the U.S. could impact students differently. For example, students who choose careers with fewer job opportunities available may not have the time to find a job before the deadline, she said.
“This is another limit on colleges and universities in the United States being able to attract students who will help make that change in the world,” Steglich said. “Continued shifts in policy like this one … can take us further away from any engagement in global learning and global advancement.”