The White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed its review of a proposed regulation that would eliminate the long-standing “Duration of Status” (D/S) policy, a provision that currently allows international students to remain in the United States as long as they maintain valid academic status and complete their degree programs. With the review concluded, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could finalize and implement the policy change at any time.

Last summer, DHS proposed replacing the current D/S system with a new framework that would limit international students’ stay in the United States to four years, after which they would be required to apply for an extension. The proposal also included restrictions on students’ ability to change academic majors or transfer between institutions. However, it remains unclear whether DHS made any significant revisions to the final rule in response to public comments submitted during the review period.

The proposed changes have drawn strong criticism from international education advocates, who argue that eliminating D/S could further discourage international students from choosing the United States as a study destination at a time when international enrollment has already been declining. Critics warn that the new policy could create additional uncertainty and administrative burdens for students pursuing longer academic programs.

Education leaders have particularly highlighted the impact on students enrolled in programs that commonly extend beyond four years, including nearly all Ph.D. programs and certain undergraduate programs. They have also raised concerns about international physicians completing medical residency training under J-1 visas, as these programs often require several years of continued professional training after graduation. From an institutional perspective, colleges and universities would likely need to dedicate additional resources and hire more staff to assist students with extension requests and compliance requirements.

DHS, however, has defended the proposed regulation, stating that most international students complete their bachelor’s degrees within four years of entering the United States. The department also noted that approximately 79 percent of international students are enrolled either in two-year master’s programs or four-year bachelor’s programs, suggesting that the proposed timeline would cover the majority of cases.

Meanwhile, international education professionals have been closely preparing for a potential policy shift. At the recent NAFSA conference, sessions focused on the future of the Duration of Status policy reached full capacity, reflecting widespread concern and uncertainty across higher education institutions.

As the Biden-era international enrollment recovery continues to face new policy challenges, the potential elimination of Duration of Status represents a significant shift in how the United States manages the academic mobility and immigration pathways of international students.

(Inside Higher Ed, July 10, 2026)