The US is replacing unlimited student visa stays with fixed time limits—a major change for international students planning long-term study.
The United States has ended its long-standing policy of allowing F-1 student visa holders to stay for the duration of their studies plus optional practical training (OPT). In its place, the US is implementing fixed stay limits tied to specific programme lengths and visa categories.
This means international students can no longer count on open-ended authorization based on their school's I-20 form. Instead, your visa validity will be capped at a set number of years, regardless of your actual programme length. The change affects new F-1 visa applicants and potentially those renewing.
Fixed time limits replace unlimited stays for international students.
If you're an international student or planning to study in the US, verify the exact stay limit for your programme with your school's international student office before applying. You may need to plan for visa renewal mid-programme or explore alternative pathways (like Optional Practical Training or H-1B sponsorship) to extend your time in the country after graduation.
Source: original report ↗
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