This message was originally sent to international students and scholars on August 30, 2025.

Dear International Students and Scholars,

On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that could significantly change how you and your family members on F or J visas maintain your legal status in the United States. The rule is called “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.” It is currently in the proposal stage and open to public comment until September 29, 2025. These comments will be published. The rule will not be finalized until all comments have been reviewed and DHS submits a final rule to the federal administration (with or without changes based on the comments), after which a final rule may be published in the federal register with a future effective date.

 

The proposed rule would change how F and J visa holders are admitted to the United States and how long they may stay.

 

Currently when you travel to the U.S., the immigration officer does not define how long you are allowed to stay on your F or J visa. Instead, you are admitted for a period of Duration of Status (D/S), which means you may stay as long as needed to complete your program, provided you follow the rules for your visa and update your I-20 or DS-2019 forms to reflect program changes and other required information. This is the current rule.

 

The new rule would change this practice, by only allowing F and J visa holders to stay in the U.S. for a defined period of stay, plus a grace period.  The rule proposes that F and J visa holders may be admitted for a period of stay equal to the program end date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years plus a grace period, per authorized period of stay. Under the proposed rule, if you cannot finish your program within your authorized period of stay, you must renew your status through travel or by applying for an extension of stay from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

This rule also proposes several related changes to F and J regulations including:

• Changes to the grace period for F-1 visa holders
• Changes to rules about completing multiple degrees or changing schools/programs
• Changes to how F or J visa holders begin accruing unlawful presence if they stay beyond expiration of status

 

ISSS will contact you in the coming weeks with more information about the proposed rule and how international students and exchange visitors can prepare for future changes. While we know that this proposal may cause worry, please know that ISSS is working to fully understand the details of this rule and how we can best support you. In the meantime, please visit the university’s Support for UConn’s International Community webpage for up-to-date resources and information.

 

Best regards,

Arthur

___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

EMAIL: arthur.galinat@uconn.edu | http://international.global.uconn.edu

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