On August 28, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule to end duration of status: “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.”
This is a proposal that is currently in comment period. The rule is not final. Find information on Duration of Status (D/S) on our Visa Stamps and Status webpage.
What is being proposed
- Fixed-date admissions to the United States.
- Formal I-539 extension of stay process with USCIS.
- Restrictions on transfers and changes of educational objectives. Restricting transfers and changes of educational objectives (with graduate students prohibited from changing programs).
- Prohibition on lateral or reverse matriculation. Barring F-1 students from pursuing a program at the same or lower educational level after completing one.
Nothing is changing right now
- No immediate action is required. The current D/S system remains in place while the proposal is under review.
- Your existing immigration documents and any authorized employment (e.g., on-campus work, OPT, CPT, Academic Training) continue under current rules.
- Travel plans should continue to follow the current guidance provided by our office.
What WashU is doing
- OISS is actively reviewing the proposal and monitoring its progress.
- OISS in partnership with the Office of Government & Community Relations, will submit formal comments in coordination with higher-education partners.
- Because this is a proposal and may change before any final rule is issued, staff are not providing advising on hypothetical impacts at this time.
How you can stay informed
- Watch for emails from our office and check this webpage for updates.
- If you have questions about your individual situation, please reach out to OISS.