US Universities Urge DHS to Withdraw Student Visa Changes

US Universities: A sweeping coalition of higher education associations across the United States is urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to abandon its proposed US student visa rule change, which would replace the longstanding “duration of status” policy with fixed, four-year visa terms for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.US Universities Urge DHS to Withdraw Student Visa Changes

In public comments submitted this week, the American Council on Education (ACE) and 53 other national associations called the plan “flawed” and warned that it would deter international talent, restrict academic flexibility, and undermine the competitiveness of U.S. institutions.

US Universities: What the Rule Proposes

Published by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the August 28 Federal Register, the proposal would:

• Cap most student and scholar visas at four years.

• Restrict transfers and academic program changes.

• Shorten the grace period for students after completing programs from 60 to 30 days.

• Limit English-language study to 24 months.

• Require students needing additional time — such as PhD candidates, joint-degree students, medical residents, and community-college transfers — to apply for one or more extensions through a new “extension of status” (EOS) process.

Critics say the EOS system lacks clear timelines, has no formal appeals process, and could lead to overwhelming backlogs similar to those seen in Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications.

Concerns From Colleges and Universities

Higher education leaders argue that the US student visa rule change would disrupt academic pathways that already require more than four years of study. Federal data show even undergraduates often take longer to graduate, while advanced degrees such as PhDs naturally require extended timelines.

The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration echoed these concerns, calling the proposal a direct threat to the country’s ability to attract and retain international talent.

“This rule would impose rigid academic timelines, add bureaucratic hurdles, and interfere with institutional decision-making,” said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance. “If implemented, it would harm students, institutions, and the broader economy.”

The coalition also criticized proposed restrictions on transferring programs or changing majors within the first year of study — flexibility that U.S. students take for granted. By placing immigration authorities in control of academic decisions, the rule could compromise both student success and institutional autonomy.

US Universities: Economic and Global Impact

International students are not only vital to U.S. universities but also to the broader economy. In 2023–24, they contributed an estimated $44 billion and supported nearly 380,000 jobs across local communities. Their presence fuels research, strengthens cross-cultural exchange, and enhances America’s reputation as a hub for innovation.

Experts warn that the US student visa rule change could accelerate declines in international enrollment already seen in recent years. Reduced global interest could raise tuition for domestic students, shrink research pipelines, and weaken America’s ability to compete with countries like Canada, the U.K., and Australia, which are actively courting international talent.

Call for Withdrawal

Both ACE and the Presidents’ Alliance urged DHS to withdraw the proposal in its entirety and instead collaborate directly with universities to address any legitimate concerns.

“If implemented, this rule would cause significant harm to students and institutions and likely dissuade international students, researchers, and scholars from coming to the United States,” the groups said in their joint submission.

For now, the fate of the proposed US student visa rule change rests with DHS, but higher education leaders are making clear that the stakes involve not only academic flexibility but also America’s future as a destination for global talent.

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