How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on a Student Visa?

Written by: Kaden Call
Reviewed and approved by: Ammon Clemens, Esq.

If you are studying in the United States, or planning to, you may be wondering how the recently announced rule regarding duration of stay for students may affect you.

According to a press release issued by the Department of Homeland Security, most F, M, and J student visas would be admissible only for the time of the student’s academic program, not to exceed four years.¹ This would be a significant change from the duration of status system, which allowed students to remain in status as long as they continued to meet the requirements to maintain that status.²

Here is what the proposed change means and what current and future students should know.

Does the New Four-Year Rule Apply to Current Students?

If you are one of the approximately 1.2 million international students already in the country on a student visa, your visa will be automatically updated to end your term of admissibility four years after the effective date of the rule, which is slated to be September 15, 2026.³

Under the new rules, extensions are possible only upon application to USCIS requesting a formal Extension of Stay.⁴ Further, the grace period for departure after completion of the course of study has been reduced to 30 days before the loss of legal status.⁵

Why Did DHS Make the Change?

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the rule is intended to prevent people from abusing student visas to remain in the United States indefinitely without completing their studies or by moving from course to course.⁶

One stated concern is that duration of status presents a national security risk because there is no administrative follow-up after the student’s initial entrance into the United States.⁷ The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security also stated that the rule change was intended to ensure foreign students stay focused on their studies and return home when their studies are completed.⁸

Can I Work in the United States If I Have a Student Visa?

Yes, during your course of study, there are ways to work within limits.⁹

If you are a student on an F-1 visa, you can only work in specified jobs on campus during your first academic year.¹⁰ After you complete your first year, you may be able to work in three different kinds of off-campus employment:

Curricular Practical Training;
Optional Practical Training, either before or after completing your curriculum;
STEM Optional Practical Training.¹¹

If you have a special situation, such as severe economic hardship, you may be eligible for other off-campus work.¹²

If you are an M-1 student, you can only be employed in practical training after you complete your studies.¹³ For both F-1 and M-1 visas, any off-campus employment must be related to your area of study, and you must receive permission from USCIS and your Designated School Official.¹⁴

It is important to strictly follow any work restrictions because unauthorized employment may create future immigration problems, including potential inadmissibility issues.¹⁵

After you graduate or your four-year period has passed, you may only have 30 days before you must leave the country or apply for a new status.¹⁶ You can read more about F-1 visas and their conditions in our related blog: Understanding the F-1 Student Visa.

What Should I Do?

If you are affected by the new rule, talk with your Designated School Official or consult other resources your school provides for international students.¹⁷ Keep your records current and track how long you have been in the country, as well as how long it will take to finish your studies.¹⁸

If you are planning to begin a program in the future, plan ahead by taking prerequisites or exploring virtual options if you think your program may take longer than four years.¹⁹ Some schools may change their program requirements in response to this policy, so ask your school about available options.²⁰

There are many exciting opportunities for international students in the United States. It is still very possible to finish your degree within the allotted time with proper planning. If you are interested in changing schools, changing your major, changing visa category, or applying for an extension, Immigration Help USA attorneys are ready to help you achieve your dream of studying in the United States.

About the Author

Kaden Call is a law student at Notre Dame Law School and a Law Clerk at Lex Tecnica. He is interested in international law and will be studying abroad as an international student at the Notre Dame London Law Programme.

References

Department of Homeland Security press release regarding student visa duration of stay; see also Foreign Students’ U.S. Admission Restricted in Final DHS Rule, Bloomberg.
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NPR, international student visa restrictions, https://www.npr.org/2026/07/17/nx-s1-5896300/international-students-visa-restrictions
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Department of Homeland Security explanation of student visa duration rule.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Students and Exchange Visitors, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Students and Employment, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment
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NPR, supra note 3.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, supra note 9.
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This article has been reviewed and approved for legal accuracy by Ammon Clemens, Esq. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on a Student Visa?