DHS Wants to End Duration of Status — Here’s How We Stop It

We have a serious one to go over today.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has just released a proposed rule that would eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 students. If you’ve never heard that phrase before, here’s what it means in plain English:

Right now, as long as you follow the rules of your visa and stay enrolled full-time, you can remain in the U.S. without worrying about a specific end date on your I-94. That’s Duration of Status.

The new proposal? It would replace D/S with a fixed admission period of up to four years. Once your time runs out, you’d be required to file an I-539 Extension of Stay with USCIS if you want to continue studying, finish your degree, or use OPT/STEM OPT.

Why This Matters

On the surface, “four years” might sound fine. But here’s the reality:

• Bachelor’s degrees + OPT don’t fit neatly into four years. Many students need five years to complete a degree. Add a year of OPT, and suddenly the rule doesn’t cover a normal student lifecycle.

• Graduate and doctoral students are hit even harder. Master’s programs often run 2–3 years, and doctoral programs can take 5–7 years.

• The 30-day grace period is unrealistic. Imagine finishing final exams, then being told you have just 30 days to close your lease, sell your car, ship your belongings, and leave the U.S. The current 60-day grace period exists for a reason.

• I-539 delays create massive uncertainty. USCIS processing times already run 6–9 months. Adding tens of thousands of new filings will only make the backlog worse. And what happens to your OPT application if your admission period expires in the middle of processing?

This isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about your ability to study, work, and plan your future with confidence.

What You Can Do

Here’s the part that matters most: this rule is not final.

Right now, DHS is asking for public comments. This is your chance to be heard — and it really works. In 2020, when a similar rule was proposed, international students and allies submitted thousands of comments. The backlash was so strong that the government withdrew the rule.

We can make that happen again.

Here’s how to take action:

1. Go to regulations.gov

2. In the search bar, type: ICEB-2025-0001

3. Click on the rule that appears in the results.

4. Hit the “Comment” button.

5. Write your story. Keep it:

   • Concise: 3–5 paragraphs is enough.

   • Consistent: Use facts, not just feelings.

   • Reasonable: Suggest alternatives like 5-year admission periods (covering bachelor’s + OPT) or longer timelines for PhDs.

You don’t need to be a lawyer or policy expert. What matters most is your real-world perspective:

• How would this impact your education?

• What challenges would it create for your career?

• What would it mean for your family, your finances, or your safety?

Why Your Voice Matters

Think about it: international students contribute over $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy. You pay tuition, rent apartments, buy groceries, and support local communities. You bring talent and innovation to classrooms, research labs, and companies.

And yet, policies like this send the message that you’re temporary, expendable, or unwelcome.

But here’s the truth: you are essential. And when you speak up, policymakers are forced to listen.

The Deadline

🗓️ Comments are due by September 29, 2025.

That’s less than a month away. Don’t wait until the last minute. Take 10 minutes this week to write and submit your comment.

And then share this newsletter. Forward it to your classmates, your student groups, your professors, and your friends. The more people who submit comments, the stronger our collective voice will be.

Final Thought

When I think about rules like this, I think about the thousands of international students I’ve worked with over the years. Students who came here with dreams of building a better life. Students who worked hard, earned degrees, got jobs, and gave back to their communities.

This proposed rule threatens to make that path harder, not easier. But together, we can push back.

In 2020, international students won this fight. In 2025, we can win it again.

✍️ Submit your comment. Share this message. Be heard.

Because your voice matters — and the future of international education in the U.S. depends on it.

Always on Your Side,

Dr. Josh