No course change in first year? US proposal alarms international students

The US DHS has proposed new F-1 visa rules restricting course changes in the first year, introducing a fixed four-year stay, and making extensions costlier and more complex

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled plans that could limit the flexibility of international students on F-1 visas. Under the proposal, undergraduates would be barred from changing their programme, major or education level in their first year of study.

 

A report by US-based immigration law firm Fragomen noted that exceptions may only be granted by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in special cases, such as when a school shuts down or when studies are disrupted for a long period by a natural disaster.

 

Restrictions on repeating programmes

 

The proposal also states that once a student completes a course at a particular level, they would no longer be eligible to return under F-1 status for another programme at the same or a lower level.

 

 

To enforce this change, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) would require technical updates. DHS has said that if the updates are not ready, the rule could be delayed or suspended. 

 

New fixed stay for student visas

 

The restriction is part of a wider reform affecting international students and other migrants. Instead of the current “duration of status” model, the new framework would introduce a fixed admission period of up to four years. The grace period after studies would be cut to 30 days.

 

Students needing more time would have to apply for an extension through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), adding fresh paperwork and costs.

 

Key changes include:

 

• Fixed maximum stay of four years, with shorter grace period

• Need to apply for extensions through USCIS

• Unlawful presence starting immediately after the admission period ends

• Re-entry bans of three or ten years for overstays

• Removal of deference to earlier approvals, meaning more checks even for repeat applicants

 

Impact on students and institutions

 

Education experts warn the shift could make the US less attractive to international students.

 

“Shifting from a ‘duration of status’ policy to a fixed expiration date is a bad idea for an administration that prides itself on efficiencies and ‘America First’,” said Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, in a statement shared with Business Standard. “These changes will only serve to force aspiring students and scholars into a sea of administrative delays at best, and at worst, into unlawful presence status—leaving them vulnerable to punitive actions through no fault of their own.”

 

Universities are expected to raise concerns during the 30-day public comment period, warning that the changes could increase costs, delays and uncertainty for students, while creating more administrative burden for institutions.