DHS would end duration of status for F, J, I visa holders

The Department of Homeland Security on Aug. 28 proposed ending the decadeslong "duration of status" system for international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists and replacing it with fixed admission periods, a move that would require many holders of F, J and I visas to seek formal extensions from U.S. immigration authorities to remain past their authorized stay. The notice of proposed rulemaking, published in the Federal Register, would cap initial admissions, change program-transfer rules and shorten post-completion grace periods for student visa holders across the United States.

DHS officials said the changes are designed to strengthen oversight and national security by giving immigration officers regular, predetermined opportunities to verify that nonimmigrants are engaging only in authorized activities. "For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely," a DHS spokesperson said in a statement, adding that fixed admission periods would help deter fraud and abuse and align F, J and I classifications with most other nonimmigrant categories.

Under the proposal, F and J visa...