Indian students planning to study in the US, as well as those already enrolled, must monitor their immigration status more actively. This is because the US government has replaced the old 'Duration of Status' (D/S) system with fixed periods of stay for holders of F, J, and I visas.
These new provisions take effect on September 15, 2026. As a result, many students will no longer be able to automatically remain in the US for the entire duration of their studies. Instead, they may need to apply for an extension of stay if additional time is required to complete a course or practical internship.
The new rules affect students with F-1 visas, J-1 exchange participants, and I visa holders (foreign media representatives). Students entering the US on or after September 15 will receive permission to stay for a fixed period, unlike the previous unlimited 'Duration of Status.'
For most F-1 students, the authorization will be valid for the duration of the academic program, but limited to a maximum of four years, plus an additional grace period of 30 days after graduation. Previously, this grace period was 60 days.
One of the most significant changes concerns situations where the study program lasts longer than four years. In such cases, such as many doctoral programs, research degrees, and some integrated courses, students must either apply to USCIS for an extension before the authorized period expires or leave the US and obtain re-entry permission with updated documents. The extension application requires providing supporting documents, such as an updated Form I-20, as well as explanations for the need for additional time. Students may also be required to prove sufficient financial means to support themselves during the extended period.
Missing the deadline can have serious consequences. Under the new rules, students who exceed the authorized period of stay will begin accumulating unlawful presence immediately after the authorized period expires. Accumulating unlawful presence can lead to:
This can also affect future visa applications and status changes.
Students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT must closely monitor deadlines. Due to transitional provisions, some students currently in the US before September 15, 2026, may continue to use the previous system for certain OPT applications. However, students arriving after the rules take effect may require both work authorization and an extension of stay, depending on their circumstances.
The new rules also introduce stricter limitations on academic changes. According to guidance, undergraduate students generally cannot change majors or programs during the first year, except in limited circumstances. Stricter frameworks are established for graduate students regarding program or institution changes.
The immigration law firm Fragomen notes that under the new regulation, undergraduate F-1 students cannot change programs, majors, or levels of education during the first year unless SEVP grants an exception for valid reasons, such as the closure of an educational institution or inability to conduct classes due to a natural disaster. F-1 graduate students cannot change programs, majors, or educational levels at any point during their studies. Transferring to a new institution is also restricted unless the student can demonstrate exceptional circumstances.
Furthermore, the final rule prohibits international F-1 students who have completed a course at a certain level from starting a program at the same or a lower level of education. An exception exists for those who completed the program before September 15, 2026; they may participate in a program of the same or lower level if it was completed before that date.
The rule also grants the Department of Homeland Security the authority to suspend or postpone restrictions on program or major changes if the agency deems it technically impossible. Any delay or suspension will be announced on the SEVP website.
Fragomen also clarifies what maintaining status means for students and exchange visitors: it includes filing all necessary reports with the designated Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO); ensuring no unauthorized employment; for those on OPT, adhering to unemployment limits; for students, not dropping below full-time enrollment without DSO permission; departing the US after completing the program (as indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019), but not exceeding four years, before the grace period expires (or filing an extension/change of status request) for those admitted before September 15, 2026, whose I-94 is marked as D/S; departing before the I-94 expires if entry occurred after the new rule took effect and the I-94 reflects a specific end date (unless a timely extension or change of status request was filed); and ensuring dependents do not work without permission or violate program rules, and complying with all other SEVP regulations.
Experts advise Indian students planning to study in the US to: track the authorized period of stay and not rely solely on the program duration; begin planning extensions several months before the deadline if the program may exceed four years; maintain close contact with the university's international office; regularly update financial documents, as they may be required for extension applications; and avoid waiting for the grace period to make decisions, as this may affect the ability to work while awaiting an extension.
The Supreme Court has suspended the hearing on the NEET-UG examination material leak case, stating that such a situation cannot continue. The Court ordered close monitoring of the measures taken by the central government to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Court also stated that it will monitor the progress of reforms throughout the year to ensure the integrity of the country's largest medical entrance examination. It demanded that the central government submit a detailed written affidavit describing all steps being taken to prevent leaks and strengthen the examination system. After receiving this document, the Court will assess the government's plans and readiness.
During the hearings, the government assured the Supreme Court of its full commitment to addressing student concerns and ensuring fair examinations. Government representatives guaranteed that necessary steps are being taken to enhance exam security and prevent future leaks. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that the government is working at all levels to resolve student issues.
The Court emphasized that temporary measures are insufficient and insisted on establishing a robust and permanent security system for national exams. Under this requirement, the Court asked the central government to specify in its report what measures are being taken for the preparation and secure delivery of examination materials, what steps are being taken against leaks, who will be held responsible in case of violations, and how the examination system will be improved in the long term. The Court confirmed that it will continuously track the implementation of these improvements.
Following the NEET-UG material leak scandal, students and parents raised questions about the impartiality of the exam. Now, the Court insists that the central government create a system that eliminates future leaks and maintains student trust in the testing system.
The second phase of the national secondary education exams has been concluded, as reported in various updates.
The CODU Norte system experienced a two-hour outage, which led to a number of inconveniences.
