Trump Proposes Major US Student Visa Reforms for F-1, J-1, M-1

The Trump administration has moved to tighten control over international students, advancing a draft rule that would end the long‑standing Duration of Status system for most F-1 academic students, J-1 exchange visitors, and M-1 vocational students. The proposed overhaul, listed in the Department of Homeland Security’s regulatory agenda released in mid‑November 2025, would replace open‑ended student stays with fixed admission periods, reshaping how hundreds of thousands of students plan their time in the United States 🇺🇸.

What the change to Duration of Status would do

Under current rules, many F-1 and J-1 students are admitted for Duration of Status, meaning they can remain in the country as long as they maintain valid documents and follow their program rules.

The new proposal would end that approach. Instead:

• F-1 and J-1 students would be admitted only until the program end date printed on their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, with a hard maximum of four years per admission.
• The Department of Homeland Security says fixed periods make it easier to track overstays.
• Universities warn the change could create new uncertainty for students whose degrees often stretch beyond four years, especially when they change majors or face delays outside their control.

“A fundamental change in how international students are treated in the immigration system,” according to analysis by VisaVerge.com — because the government would move from trusting school records alone to requiring direct immigration filings for extra time.

Practical effects on status, filings, and timing

The shift away from Duration of Status would mean many actions that previously happened through school officials would now require direct immigration filings.

• Students who previously relied on automatic status while records stayed valid would now need to watch specific end dates and file for extensions.
• Anyone who needs extra time beyond their initial admission period — to finish a program, transfer, move to a higher academic level, or participate in post‑completion training (such as F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, or J-1 Academic Training) — would have to submit an extension of stay request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• In practice, that is expected to mean filing Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before the authorized stay expires.
• Processing times for I-539 have often stretched for months, raising concerns that students could fall into a technical overstay if decisions are delayed.

Changes to grace periods (quick summary)

The draft proposes cutting or aligning grace periods across categories:

• Universities warn a shorter grace window could make it harder for students to react if job offers fall through, move quickly into Optional Practical Training, or collect documents for a new program.

Limits on academic flexibility and transfers

The proposal would significantly restrict program changes and mobility:

• For undergraduate F-1 students:
  • No change of program, major, or educational level during the first academic year.
• For graduate (master’s/doctoral) F-1 students:
  • No changes of academic program allowed at all during their studies.
  • Example: a doctoral student could not switch to another PhD program under the same F-1 record, even at the same school.
• The draft also states that an F-1 student who completes one program at a given level could not obtain a new F-1 to start another program at the same or a lower level.
  • Example: A student who finishes a U.S. bachelor’s degree would not be able to return later for a second bachelor’s on F-1 status.
• Transfers between schools would be restricted:
  • Students would need to complete a full academic year at the institution that issued their original I-20 before transferring, unless SEVP grants an exception.
  • Universities that frequently receive mid‑year transfer students fear reduced mobility between schools.

Impact on M-1 vocational students

M-1 students — who already face tighter work limits than F-1 — would face additional constraints:

• The proposal would require stronger proof of academic progress and a convincing reason to remain in the U.S. for each requested extension or renewal.
• Post‑study grace period would be 30 days, aligning with the J-1 and the proposed new F-1 rule.
• Schools that run English‑language and technical training programs say this could squeeze students who need more time to complete practical coursework or licensing requirements.

Work authorization changes: OPT and CPT under scrutiny

Work options tied to study are targeted for stricter oversight:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students would come under stricter rules and oversight.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) — especially “day one CPT” that allows immediate off‑campus training — appears likely to be barred or heavily limited.
  • The draft suggests CPT would be pushed back to a more traditional role, starting after students have completed coursework related to their major.
  • Universities that built programs around early CPT say they may need to redesign entire degrees if the rule is finalized.

Rulemaking process and next steps

• For now, none of these changes are in force — the proposal remains in draft status.
• Publication in the regulatory agenda is only the first step in a long rulemaking process.
• Once the official text appears in the Federal Register, there will be a public comment period during which universities, student groups, employers, and the general public can submit feedback.
• National higher education organizations are already preparing responses, arguing that ending Duration of Status for F-1 and J-1 students may push talent to other countries such as Canada 🇨🇦 and the United Kingdom.

After the comment period closes:

1. DHS will review the feedback.
2. DHS may revise the rule.
3. A final rule could be issued with an effective date set in the future.

• According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, any final rule would not apply retroactively but would govern future admissions and subsequent extensions once it takes effect.
• Official updates on the process are expected on the DHS rulemaking and USCIS websites.

Important: The proposal is a draft. Current F-1 and J-1 rules remain in effect until and unless a final rule is published and takes effect.

What university international offices advise

University international offices are urging students to stay calm but pay attention.

• Advisors say current F-1 and J-1 students should not change plans solely based on the proposal, but should be ready to adjust if the final rule keeps the end of Duration of Status and adds fixed four‑year admission limits.
• Many schools are planning:
  • Webinars
  • Written guidance
  • Individual advising sessions

so students can understand how shorter grace periods, new transfer limits, and extra USCIS filings could affect degree timelines, research plans, and early career options in the United States.