WASHINGTON (Monitoring Desk) — The United States has introduced stricter new rules for extending the visas of international students, making the process subject to mandatory review and federal approval.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule that eliminates a legal loophole related to Duration of Status (D/S), which previously allowed foreign students, exchange program participants, and foreign media representatives to remain in the United States for extended periods without routine government review.
Under the new regulation, holders of F, J, and I non-immigrant visas will now be granted a fixed period of admission and stay in the United States.
The rule sets the maximum duration for F and J visas at four years, while any extension of these visas will require formal approval from the federal government.
Applicants seeking visa extensions will be required to undergo biometric verification, background checks, and investigations into possible fraud.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the grace period for F-1 visa holders to leave the United States after completing their studies has also been reduced from 60 days to 30 days.