Proposal to Replace Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1, J-1 and other nonimmigrants with Maximum period of stay dates

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that they intend to propose a rule to limit the amount of time international students can stay in the country by eliminating the "duration of status" or "D/S" policy. If the admission stamp or Form I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which individual must leave the United States. If the individual has D/S on the admissions stamp or Form I-94, the individual may remain in the United States as long as they continue your course of studies, remain in their exchange program, or qualifying employment. 

Under the proposed change, ICE would modify the period of authorized stay to a maximum period of stay, with options for extension, for each applicable visa category. This policy is part of the spring 2019 Regulatory Agenda of Department of Homeland Security. However, the policy is still at the “Proposed Rule Stage” and has not been approved for implementation. The agency’s target date for the change is February 2020.

This would be a significant change in how F-1, J-1 and M-1 nonimmigrants are admitted into the US.

Urge your members of Congress to speak out and publicly defend international students and scholars.