New United States visa rules could significantly affect Pakistani students studying at American universities by introducing fixed admission periods, stricter transfer conditions and additional requirements for extending their stay.
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule replacing the existing “duration of status” system for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. The changes are scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
Student Stay Limited to Four Years per Admission
Under the new system, international students will generally be admitted until the programme completion date listed on their immigration documents, with the initial admission period limited to a maximum of four years.
Students whose degrees take longer than their authorised period will have to formally apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension of stay.
Approval will no longer be handled only through a university’s international student office.
Graduate and PhD Students May Face Greater Pressure
The new requirements could particularly affect students enrolled in:
- PhD programmes
- Research-based degrees
- Medical and clinical programmes
- Science and technology courses
- Degrees involving fieldwork or laboratory research
Such programmes often take more than four years because of research delays, funding issues, academic requirements or personal circumstances.
Students who require additional time will have to submit an extension application before the expiry date recorded on their Form I-94.
Restrictions on Changing Programmes and Universities
The final rule also introduces new restrictions on academic transfers and changes in educational objectives.
Undergraduate students will generally be allowed to change their programme or university only after completing their first academic year, except where special approval is granted because of exceptional circumstances.
Graduate students will face tighter limits on changing their academic field or educational level. Transfers between institutions may also require approval in certain circumstances.
Students will also be restricted from beginning another programme at the same or a lower educational level after completing a degree.
F-1 Grace Period Reduced to 30 Days
International students entering or re-entering the United States under F-1 status from September 15, 2026, will receive a 30-day grace period after completing their programme.
The current grace period for F-1 students is 60 days.
During the shorter period, graduates will need to:
- Leave the United States
- Apply to change their immigration status
- Complete any eligible transfer or extension process
- Make other lawful arrangements to remain in the country
The change could give students less time to manage travel, employment, housing and immigration applications after graduation.
Existing Students Covered by Transition Rules
Students already present in the United States under duration-of-status admission on September 15 will not immediately receive a new fixed expiry date.
However, they may still need to apply for an extension if they wish to remain beyond their programme completion date or the applicable transition limit.
Students who leave the US and return after the new rules take effect will generally be admitted under the fixed-date system.
Why the US Government Introduced the Rules
The Department of Homeland Security said replacing duration of status with fixed admission periods would strengthen immigration oversight, improve regular vetting and reduce visa misuse.
The department said students who need additional time will still be able to request an extension, but the decision will be made directly by federal immigration authorities.
International education organisations have criticised the changes, warning that they could increase uncertainty, application costs and administrative delays for students and universities.
What Pakistani Students Should Do
Pakistani students studying in the United States or planning to apply should carefully review:
- The programme end date on Form I-20
- The expiry date recorded on Form I-94
- University transfer restrictions
- Extension-of-stay requirements
- Post-graduation and practical training timelines
Students should remain in contact with their university’s designated school official and follow updates from official US immigration authorities.
The rules could create additional planning and financial requirements, particularly for Pakistani students pursuing long-term graduate and doctoral programmes.
