The upcoming changes by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could affect how long international students are allowed to stay in the country. Harvard University has advised its international students and scholars to plan their travel and consider returning to the United States before September 15, when new US visa rules for F-1 and J-1 visa holders are expected to take effect.
Harvard University advises international students to return to the US before September 15 as new visa rules may change admission for F-1 and J-1 holders.
Students needing additional time to complete their studies may have to follow a formal extension process. The changes could also affect grace periods, programme changes, university transfers and other aspects of a student’s academic journey. Students should also contact their university’s international office to understand how travel could affect their immigration status. Those expecting to need extra time for their degree, OPT or STEM OPT should pay particular attention to the new extension requirements. The policy is also facing a legal challenge from higher education and labour organisations. However, until there is any change through the courts or the government, international students are being advised to closely follow official updates and university guidance before finalising travel plans. Beginning Sept.
North Carolina State University, for example, says travel outside the US on or after September 15 can remove students from the transition arrangements and place them under the new fixed-date framework. Earlier reporting noted: Under the current framework, an F-1 student admitted for D/S can generally remain in the country while maintaining the requirements of the program.
Earlier reporting noted: Harvard University warns international students to return to US before September 15 as new F-1, J-1 visa rules near Harvard University is advising international students and scholars to consider being in the United States before September15, when a sweeping Department of Homeland Security rule is scheduled to replace the long-standing “duration of status” system with fixed periods of admission for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. 15, new admissions will instead carry a fixed “Admit Until Date.”
Earlier reporting noted: Other universities have issued similar warnings.
