Washington: International students studying in the United States, including thousands from India, have been advised by several universities to return to the country before September 15, ahead of a major change to US immigration rules governing student visas.

The advisory comes as the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prepares to implement a new rule that replaces the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) system with a fixed period of stay for certain visa holders.

Universities urge students to return early

Several US universities have issued guidance to students currently outside the country during academic breaks, recommending that they re-enter the United States before the new regulation takes effect on September 15.

In a notice to students, Columbia University advised international students to return before classes begin in September to ensure they remain covered under the existing immigration framework.

The university said the DHS rule has a 60-day implementation period and encouraged students to arrive before the new regulations come into force.

The advisory applies primarily to holders of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visitor visas, which are widely used by international students and researchers.

What changes from September 15?

Under the new DHS rule, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and I visa holders for foreign journalists will generally be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of up to four years, replacing the current Duration of Status system.

At present, international students can remain in the US for as long as they maintain their academic status and comply with visa conditions.

The revised regulation also shortens the grace period after completion of studies from 60 days to 30 days.

Students seeking to continue their stay beyond the authorised period will need approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by filing Form I-539 for an extension.

Who will remain under the old system?

The DHS has clarified that students already present in the United States under the Duration of Status system on September 15 will continue to be governed by the existing rules.

They will be allowed to remain until the programme completion date listed on their Form I-20 or until the end of any approved Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT period.

However, this protection will still be subject to an overall four-year cap from the rule’s effective date and cannot extend beyond November 14, 2030, including the departure period.

Concerns among Indian students

The policy change has sparked concern among international students, particularly Indians, who make up one of the largest groups of foreign students in the United States.

Experts warn that research-intensive programmes, especially doctoral degrees, medical training and long-term research fellowships, frequently take more than four years to complete.

Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) Chief of Policy and Strategy Khanderao Kand criticised the move, saying the new cap does not reflect the actual duration of many academic programmes.

He argued that the rule could disrupt research projects, delay graduations and affect innovation by creating uncertainty over visa extensions.

FIIDS also noted that J-1 research scholars and physicians often require between five and seven years to complete their programmes, raising concerns that students and researchers could face interruptions if extension requests are delayed.

Impact on higher education

The United States remains one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students pursuing higher education, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Universities and education experts have expressed concern that increased uncertainty over visa rules could affect student enrolment, faculty recruitment and research collaborations.

While the DHS says the changes are intended to strengthen immigration oversight, education groups are urging the government to ensure that genuine students and researchers are not adversely affected.

For now, universities are advising international students currently abroad to return before September 15 to avoid complications during the transition to the new immigration framework.