Major Proposed Changes to F-1, J-1, and I Visa Regulations in 2025: What International Students and Exchange Visitors Need to Know

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Aug 28
4 min read

Overview of Proposed DHS Visa Classification Updates

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning significant changes to F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, and I nonimmigrant visas for foreign media representatives. These changes mark a major shift from the traditional "duration of status" system to fixed admission periods, impacting how international students and exchange visitors maintain lawful status in the United States.

The proposed rule can be found here.

What Are the New F-1 Student Visa Rules?

Fixed Study Period: F-1 students will be admitted for a fixed period aligned with their academic program duration, generally not exceeding four years.
Prohibition on Second Degree at Same or Lower Educational Level Programs: F-1 student who has finished a program at one educational level must start a new program at a higher educational level while staying in F-1 status. The student is not allowed to start another program at the same or a lower educational level while still on the F-1 visa. This ensures that the student is progressing academically in a forward direction during their stay in the U.S. under F-1 status.
Restrictions on English Language Programs: The maximum stay for English language training is limited to 24 months.
Public High School Limit: F-1 students attending public high schools are limited to a total of 12 months.
Shortened Grace Period: The post-completion departure grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Transfer and Program Change Restrictions: Students below graduate level cannot transfer schools or change academic majors/programs during the first academic year, unless exceptions are authorized, and graduate students are barred from changing their program once enrolled.
Extension of Stay Process: Extensions must be applied for through USCIS with documented, compelling reasons such as academic difficulties or medical conditions.
Employment Authorization - OPT or STEM OPT: Work permissions during extensions are limited, notably excluding post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), creating possible gaps in work authorization.

"Students who have applied for employment authorization for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, and who were admitted based on the employment end date recommended by their designated school official on their Form I-20, will be considered legally allowed to stay in the U.S. from the date their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires until the fixed expiration date shown on their I-94 arrival record, even if they stop working when their EAD expires before that date.

This means students won’t fall out of status during this gap between their EAD expiration and the fixed end date of their authorized stay noted on their I-94."

Important Updates for J-1 Exchange Visitors

Maximum Stay Limits: J-1 visa holders will have a fixed maximum stay of four years, down from previous allowances that varied by category.
Extension Requirements: All program extensions must be approved by USCIS.
Continued Program Activities: J-1 participants can continue authorized activities for up to 240 days while extension applications are pending.
J-2 Dependent Employment: Employment authorization for J-2 dependents cannot exceed the primary J-1 visa holder’s authorized stay and must follow income restrictions.

Changes for I Visa Holders Representing Foreign Media

Fixed Admission Period: I visa holders will generally be admitted for up to 240 days, with a reduced 90-day limit for most People's Republic of China nationals.

Documentary Requirements: Stricter proof of foreign media affiliation and employment is required.

Additional Regulatory Provisions

Re-entry and Biometric Collection: New rules on re-entry with pending extension applications and mandatory biometric submissions for stay extensions.
Discretionary Admissions: Visa revalidation becomes discretionary rather than automatic.
Change of Status Abandonment: Change of status applications are considered abandoned if the applicant leaves the U.S. before approval.
Transition Provisions: Current visa holders under the old system get a temporary automatic transition to the new fixed admission system.

What This Means for International Students and Exchange Visitors

This comprehensive regulatory update will change how international students and exchange visitors manage their stay in the U.S., increasing administrative responsibilities and potentially raising costs. Schools, sponsors, and visa holders should prepare for these proposed changes, which will take effect after a public comment period starting August 28, 2025.

Public Comment Period On Proposed Rule Starts on August 28, 2025

The proposed rule allows a 30-day public comment period starting on August 28, 2025. After the comments, the final rule will be implemented 60 days later. This will be the biggest change to student and exchange visitor visa rules in decades, changing how these groups maintain their status in the U.S. and increasing costs and compliance requirements.

This is at the proposed rule stage, a rule would not become final until after the DHS reviews public comments on the proposed rule, submits a final rule for OMB review, and then publishes a final rule in the Federal Register with a future effective date.

Conclusion:

International students and exchange visitors should closely monitor these regulatory changes and consult their designated school officials or sponsors to ensure compliance.

Major Proposed Changes to F-1, J-1, and I Visa Regulations in 2025: What International Students and Exchange Visitors Need to Know

Overview of Proposed DHS Visa Classification Updates

The proposed rule can be found here.

What Are the New F-1 Student Visa Rules?

Fixed Study Period: F-1 students will be admitted for a fixed period aligned with their academic program duration, generally not exceeding four years.

Restrictions on English Language Programs: The maximum stay for English language training is limited to 24 months.

Public High School Limit: F-1 students attending public high schools are limited to a total of 12 months.

Shortened Grace Period: The post-completion departure grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

Transfer and Program Change Restrictions: Students below graduate level cannot transfer schools or change academic majors/programs during the first academic year, unless exceptions are authorized, and graduate students are barred from changing their program once enrolled.

Extension of Stay Process: Extensions must be applied for through USCIS with documented, compelling reasons such as academic difficulties or medical conditions.

Employment Authorization - OPT or STEM OPT: Work permissions during extensions are limited, notably excluding post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), creating possible gaps in work authorization.

This means students won’t fall out of status during this gap between their EAD expiration and the fixed end date of their authorized stay noted on their I-94."

Important Updates for J-1 Exchange Visitors

Maximum Stay Limits: J-1 visa holders will have a fixed maximum stay of four years, down from previous allowances that varied by category.

Extension Requirements: All program extensions must be approved by USCIS.

Continued Program Activities: J-1 participants can continue authorized activities for up to 240 days while extension applications are pending.

J-2 Dependent Employment: Employment authorization for J-2 dependents cannot exceed the primary J-1 visa holder’s authorized stay and must follow income restrictions.

Changes for I Visa Holders Representing Foreign Media

Fixed Admission Period: I visa holders will generally be admitted for up to 240 days, with a reduced 90-day limit for most People's Republic of China nationals.

Documentary Requirements: Stricter proof of foreign media affiliation and employment is required.

Additional Regulatory Provisions

Re-entry and Biometric Collection: New rules on re-entry with pending extension applications and mandatory biometric submissions for stay extensions.

Discretionary Admissions: Visa revalidation becomes discretionary rather than automatic.

Change of Status Abandonment: Change of status applications are considered abandoned if the applicant leaves the U.S. before approval.

Transition Provisions: Current visa holders under the old system get a temporary automatic transition to the new fixed admission system.

What This Means for International Students and Exchange Visitors

Public Comment Period On Proposed Rule Starts on August 28, 2025

This is at the proposed rule stage, a rule would not become final until after the DHS reviews public comments on the proposed rule, submits a final rule for OMB review, and then publishes a final rule in the Federal Register with a future effective date.

Conclusion:

International students and exchange visitors should closely monitor these regulatory changes and consult their designated school officials or sponsors to ensure compliance.

We will continue to bring latest updates on these policy changes that impact F, J, and I visa applicants.