International students aspiring to study and work in the United States may soon face significant changes to their F-1 visa status and Optional Practical Training (OPT) program eligibility. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has put forth two key proposals aimed at refining immigration policies, potentially altering the landscape for thousands of foreign students and the U.S. higher education system.
One of the most substantial proposed changes involves transitioning the F-1 visa from a “Duration of Status” (D/S) system to a “Fixed Period of Admission” (FPA). Currently, F-1 visa holders are permitted to remain in the U.S. for the duration of their studies plus a grace period. Under the new FPA model, students would typically be granted a fixed admission period—likely four years for most programs, or two years for certain groups or institutions.
While DHS argues this shift will provide clearer immigration timelines and reduce overstays, critics warn it could cause administrative burdens and uncertainty for students whose academic paths extend beyond the fixed period, potentially disrupting their education.
The DHS is also considering significant modifications to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a vital route for international graduates to gain U.S. work experience in their field of study.
One proposal suggests imposing a 60-day aggregate unemployment limit during the 12-month post-completion OPT period—stricter than current rules and potentially increasing pressure on graduates to find jobs quickly. Another would restrict the 24-month STEM OPT extension to those who earned their qualifying STEM degree from a U.S. institution, excluding international degree holders who previously qualified.
The proposed visa and OPT changes are part of a broader U.S. effort to enhance immigration system integrity and address national security concerns. However, these adjustments could also reshape the country’s reputation as a global education hub, affecting both student inflows and universities’ ability to attract international talent.
For students and institutions alike, staying informed and proactive about these evolving policies will be crucial as the final rules take shape in the months ahead.
