Harvard Urges International Students To Plan Travel Before September 15 Amid US Visa Rule Changes

Harvard University has advised international students and scholars to carefully plan their travel and consider returning to the US before September 15, when proposed changes to visa rules for F-1 and J-1 holders are expected to take effect.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) changes could replace the current “duration of status” system with fixed periods of authorised stay, potentially affecting students who travel outside the US around the deadline.

What Is Changing For International Students?

Under the proposed rules, many F-1 and J-1 visa holders would no longer be admitted under the existing “duration of status” or D/S system. Instead, students could receive an “Admit Until Date” on their Form I-94 specifying how long they are authorised to remain in the US.

Currently, eligible international students can generally remain in the country while they continue to meet the requirements of their academic programme and maintain their immigration status. Under the proposed system, students needing additional time to complete their programmes could have to apply through a formal extension process.

The changes could also affect grace periods, programme changes, university transfers and other aspects of students’ academic journeys.

Why September 15 Matters

Students who are already in the US and maintaining valid immigration status when the new rules take effect may be covered by transition provisions. However, students who leave the country and return on or after September 15 could potentially be admitted under the new fixed-date system.

Harvard has therefore urged international students to consider the timing of international travel carefully. For students travelling to India or elsewhere, returning to the US before the proposed deadline could help avoid being subject to different admission rules.

Students should check their visa documents, Form I-20 or DS-2019 and I-94 records before travelling and consult their university’s international student office about the potential impact on their immigration status.

Legal Challenge To New Rules

The proposed changes are also facing a legal challenge from higher education and labour organisations. However, unless the rules are changed by the government or blocked by the courts, international students have been advised to follow official updates and university guidance closely.

Students who expect to need additional time for their degree, Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT may need to pay particular attention to the proposed extension requirements.