U.S. Decision That Relieves International Students

A new immigration regulation that has drawn close attention from international students in the U.S. was brought before a federal court just hours before it was set to take effect. The planned implementation of the regulation, which would impose new limits on the length of stay for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, was temporarily halted nationwide.

The new system was scheduled to begin on September 15.

The regulation prepared by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was slated to take effect on September 15, 2026. The new system would substantially alter the "Duration of Status" (D/S) practice that had long benefited individuals in F and J status.

Under the current system, international students can remain in the U.S. for as long as they comply with the conditions of their status and continue their studies.

The new regulation proposed a fixed maximum period of four years for staying in the country, tied to the length of the program; those who needed more time to complete their studies would have to apply for an extension.

Changes to schools and programs would also be affected.

The regulation did not merely alter how long students could remain in the United States; it also introduced new limits on matters such as changing schools, educational programs, or academic goals.

Because of this, the regulation had been a long‑standing point of contention between international students and higher‑education institutions in the United States. Educational organizations opposed the regulation, arguing that the new system could impose an additional bureaucratic burden on students and complicate academic planning.

Last‑Minute Decision from the Federal Court

A day before the regulation was set to take effect, a critical ruling came from a federal court in Massachusetts.

U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV temporarily halted the implementation of DHS’s regulation nationwide. Thus, the new system, expected to begin on September 15, has not yet come into force.

Following the court ruling, the existing 'Duration of Status' system continues to apply to individuals in F‑1 and J‑1 status.

The D/S system continues for students.

The decision is particularly significant for international students who are continuing their education in the U.S. or who are enrolled in long‑term academic programs.

At present, students are not required to file an application to extend their stay with USCIS solely because of the four‑year period introduced in the new regulation; however, they must continue to comply with the conditions of their F‑1 or J‑1 status.

Keeping I‑20, SEVIS and I‑94 records up to date, meeting full‑time study requirements, and, when necessary, contacting the school’s designated school official in the international student office are emphasized.

The amendment was not entirely cancelled.

The court’s decision does not imply that the four‑year fixed term has been entirely abolished.

The ruling is a "preliminary injunction", meaning it is a provisional measure that can be applied until the case is resolved. The federal government may appeal the decision, and as the legal process unfolds, different rulings may be issued.

Therefore, international students in the United States will need to closely monitor both the court proceedings and the statements coming from DHS and their schools' international student offices in the coming term.

For now, the most important outcome for those in F‑1 and J‑1 status is clear: the new time limit scheduled to begin on September 15 has not taken effect, and the D/S system remains in place.