SAF is closely monitoring anticipated changes to U.S. student visa regulations that could significantly alter how some international students plan and progress through their studies in the United States.
Proposed Updates to Current "Duration of Status" Model
For international students entering the U.S. and studying under F-1 status, the current system operates under what is known as “Duration of Status” (D/S). In simple terms, this means students are able to remain in the U.S. as long as they continue making normal academic progress and remain compliant with the requirements tied to their program and immigration documentation, including the Form I-20.
Proposed updates would shift visas towards a fixed-term stay system with stricter timelines, restrictions on program transfers, and a reduction of the F-1 grace period at the completion of study from the current 60 days to 30.
While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule has not yet been published, SAF is already working closely with U.S. university partners as these institutions assess what these changes could mean in practice, and specifically for visiting non-degree students who come to them via SAF.
Potential Changes with "Enter Until Date" Model
Under the new DHS rules, students would instead enter the U.S. under a fixed “Enter Until Date” (EUD), which will allow for a maximum stay period of four years before additional extensions or approvals may be required. While extensions may still be possible, they will involve additional costs, processing time, adjudication, and a greater level of uncertainty for students planning long-term academic study in the U.S..
The new rule also places limits on transfers, requiring students to complete their first year of academic study in the U.S. (nine months) at the school that initially issued their I-20.
This new rule could have implications for students who begin with English-language coursework before transitioning into concurrent or academic study. SAF is working to understand which of our pathway programs requires a transfer of the I-20 and how these institutions will approach the new regulations.
There are also some program combinations students can currently join with SAF that require a transfer 1-20, for example from an extension unit to summer sessions. We are also working to understand if the new regulations will limit these kinds of transitions.
The new rules will also shorten the grace period available to F-1 students following program completion – from 60 days to 30 days – reducing the amount of time students have to prepare for departing from the U.S.
How SAF is Preparing for Potential Changes
Because of these uncertainties, SAF is closely monitoring the situation, and is in touch with university partners in both the U.S. and Asia to better understand how individual programs may be affected and what support or alternative pathways may be available for students.
“Our priority is making sure students have the clearest information possible about how these developments may affect their plans, while helping them explore the options available to them.” —Carol Carmody, co-founder of SAF and Senior Associate Vice President for International Partner Development at IES Global.
SAF is also mindful that uncertainty around immigration regulations can feel stressful for students and families making major decisions about studying abroad. For many participants, these programs represent years of planning, financial investment, and personal ambition. SAF’s teams are focused not only on monitoring developments, but also on helping students understand how different program models may affect their academic goals and timelines.
As more information becomes available, SAF will continue providing guidance and updates to students, families, and university partners. In the meantime, the organization remains committed to helping students make informed decisions and access meaningful international education opportunities with the support and individualized guidance they need to move forward confidently.
