US Government Proposes to Replace Duration of Status for F and J International Students and Scholars

By: ISSS

On Friday, September 25, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule that would eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) for international students and scholars holding F and J visas, as well as their dependents. If the rule is adopted, students and scholars with F or J visas would be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time (2-4 years, depending on their I-20/DS-2019 program end date). F and J visa-holders needing additional time to complete their programs would be required to file an Extension of Stay directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Please visit the NAFSA website for a comprehensive summary of the proposed rule and its implications for students and scholars.

Please note that this rule is not yet final and is subject to modification or repeal based on the feedback of universities across the United States. The Department of Homeland Security is currently accepting public comments. ISSS is actively working with Penn’s Office of Government and Community Affairs to advocate on behalf of the University’s international student and scholar communities and to submit comments on the potential impacts of the proposed rule. We will share news and updates as this story continues to develop.