US universities urge international students back before September 15 visa change

American universities are urging international students to return before September 15 as new fixed-term visa rules begin. The advice reflects fears over shorter grace periods, re-entry limits and fresh status restrictions.Several American universities have asked international students to return to the US before September 15, when new immigration rules on fixed-term visas are due to come into effect. Institutions have issued advisories and held webinars and interactive sessions to explain how the rules will apply differently to those already in the country and those arriving after the deadline.The new rule from the Department of Homeland Security will impose four-year limits and other restrictions on student visa status. Universities have told students, scholars and alumni on Optional Practical Training that their status, grace periods and re-entry conditions could change depending on whether they are in the US before the rule takes effect.According to the Harvard Crimson, the Harvard International Office is recommending that J-1 scholars and F-1 and J-1 international students enrolled in on-campus programmes this fall should try to be in the US before the rule starts. It said: "Harvard International Office is now recommending that J-1 scholars and F-1 and J-1 international students enrolled in on-campus programmes this fall try to be in the US when a new Department of Homeland Security rule imposing four-year limits and other restrictions on student visa status takes effect on Sept 15."One university advisory said: "If you enter the US prior to September 15, 2026, or if you are currently in the US on or after September 15th, 2026, your I-94 record will still have D/S (Duration of Status). However, if you enter the US on or after September 15, 2026, you will be readmitted with a fixed AUD (Admit Until Date)." The recommendation comes because the rule will affect students and scholars already in the US differently from those entering later. Those in the US on the day the rule comes into effect will be allowed to remain without filing for an extension until the later of their programme end date or the expiry of their post-completion work authorisation, up to a maximum of four years. However, current students and scholars who leave the country and return after September 15 will become subject to the new rule on re-entry.Students already in the US when the rule takes effect will continue to have a 60-day grace period for F-1 visa holders and a 30-day grace period for J-1 visa holders. Under the new rule, the grace period for F-1 visa holders will be reduced to 30 days. Universities have also said that students and scholars re-entering the country after September 15 may find that the "Admit Until Date" on their I-94 form is changed to match their programme end date, which could affect how future extensions of status are granted. Universities including Chicago, Georgetown and Ohio State are among those that have sent emails to students, PhD scholars and alumni on OPT. Columbia University said: "Because the Final Rule includes a 60-day implementation period, we recommend that all students return to NYC (New York City) before the start of classes on September 8, 2026."Meanwhile, eight organisations have moved court in a bid to stop the rule before its September 15 start date, arguing that the Department of Homeland Security did not adequately consider its impact before finalising it. The advisory messages from universities have focused on asking international students to return before the deadline so they are not immediately affected by the new fixed-term visa rules.With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 24, 2026 23:04 IST