US Moves to End "Duration of Status" for International Students

It is likely that as of September 2026, most international students in the US will need to complete their programmes in four years or less unless they receive an extension from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal submitted in August 2025 that is fast moving towards implementation.

The proposal also suggests that students in shorter programmes (e.g., two-year master's) will need to leave at the end of their study programme unless they receive an extension, with language students allowed a 24-month maximum term of admission, including breaks and vacation time.

Abolishing the Duration of Status System

The government intends to abolish the "Duration of Status" (D/S) system, which allows students to stay beyond the end-date on their I-20 form if they can prove they have legitimate reasons for an extension. The D/S system has been in effect for decades.

Under the current system, if a student needs to stay in the US for longer to complete their programme, they apply for an extension to the Designated School Official (DSO) at their institution, who is familiar with the student's academic progression and performance. The DSO is authorised to make extension decisions by the Department of Homeland Security.

According to the proposal, the DSO will no longer have power to approve the extension request. That will transfer to USCIS officials, and those officials will be permitted to "use discretion" in their decisions.

Massive Implications for OPT and STEM Programmes

When the government takes over the role of education institutions in deciding if a student should have more time to complete their studies, the implications will be massive, especially for students aiming to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT). The director of USCIS, Joseph Edlow, has indicated he is prepared to restrict access to OPT.

The OPT and STEM OPT post-study work streams are vital to US institutions' ability to compete for international students. A 2025 survey conducted by NAFSA and the Institute for Progress found that 54% of current international students would not have chosen the US if there was no OPT option.

If it becomes too cumbersome, expensive, and uncertain to request an extension for OPT, demand will be extremely affected in the US's top source of students, India. This is because Indians represent about half of all participants in OPT and STEM OPT.

Nearly half of all international students in the US are studying at the master's or doctoral level. International students account for almost 70% of enrolments in math and computer science programmes and more than half in engineering programmes. In AI-related programmes, 7 in 10 enrolments are international.

NAFSA has mounted a comprehensive and sector-wide effort to have the government reconsider the end of D/S or at least to significantly reconsider the proposed changes.

Source: ICEF Monitor