Harvard has advised international students to consider staying in the US before September 15, when new visa rules may introduce fixed stay periods and affect students travelling abroad after the change.
Image: CanvaHarvard University has advised international students and scholars to consider staying in the United States before September 15.
This is especially important for international students who are planning to travel during the fall.
Under the new system, students will receive a fixed admission period and an “Admit Until Date” on their Form I-94.
Because of this change, Harvard is asking international students and J-1 scholars to carefully consider international travel before the new rule begins.
Harvard has advised international students to consider staying in the US before September 15, when new visa rules may introduce fixed stay periods and affect students travelling abroad after the change.
Image: Canva
Harvard University has advised international students and scholars to consider staying in the United States before September 15. On this date, a new Department of Homeland Security rule is expected to replace the existing “duration of status” system with fixed periods of stay for F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
The Harvard International Office said students and scholars who are already in the US when the new rule starts may be treated differently from those who leave and return after September 15. This is especially important for international students who are planning to travel during the fall.
The DHS issued the final rule on July 17, and it is scheduled to come into effect on September 15. Under the new system, students will receive a fixed admission period and an “Admit Until Date” on their Form I-94. In most cases, this date will match the expected end of their programme, subject to a maximum period of four years.
Why September 15 is important
F-1 and J-1 students who are already in the US and are following their visa requirements on September 15 may continue under the transition rules.
However, students who leave the country and return on or after September 15 may come under the new system. Their I-94 could have a specific expiry date instead of the usual “D/S” notation.
Because of this change, Harvard is asking international students and J-1 scholars to carefully consider international travel before the new rule begins.
Other universities have also issued similar advice. North Carolina State University, for example, has warned that students travelling outside the US on or after September 15 could lose the benefit of the transition rules and come under the new fixed-date system.
Four-year limit and extension process
The main change is the removal of the traditional duration-of-status system. At present, F-1 students admitted under D/S can generally stay in the US as long as they continue to meet their programme requirements.
From September 15, new students will instead receive a fixed “Admit Until Date”.
Students who need extra time to complete their course after the date mentioned on their I-94 will generally have to apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension of stay.
The new rule will also reduce the grace period for F-1 students. Those covered by the new system will generally receive 30 days after completing their programme or authorised practical training, instead of the current 60 days. Students covered by the transition rules may continue to receive the longer period.
The rules also introduce changes related to academic programme changes, university transfers and certain changes in study plans.
What Indian students should know
Indian students planning to travel to India or another country around September 15 should check their I-20, visa and I-94 details. They should also speak with their university's international office before travelling.
Students who may need extra time for their degree, OPT or STEM OPT should understand how the new extension system could affect them. University guidance suggests that travelling after September 15 may affect which transition rules apply.
Legal challenge against the rule
The new policy is also facing a legal challenge. A group of higher education organisations and labour unions has filed a case against DHS.
The groups argue that the department did not provide enough reasons for the changes and that the new system could make it harder for universities to attract and retain international students.
The groups have asked a federal court to temporarily stop the rule while the case continues.
Harvard is part of two organisations involved in the lawsuit: the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts.
For now, the DHS rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. International students are advised to follow official updates and check with their universities before making travel plans.
