A US federal court has halted a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that would have imposed a fixed four-year stay limit and a 30-day grace period on international students holding F-1 and J-1 visas. The order, issued on September 14, 2026, by the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, blocks the DHS Duration of Status Final Rule from taking effect as scheduled on September 15, 2026.
Court Order Puts Duration of Status Rule on Hold
The ruling, issued in the case Presidents' Alliance v. DHS, No. 1:26-cv-13799-FDS, delays the rule's implementation while litigation continues. The pause means the proposed changes—including the fixed admission period and the 30-day grace period—will not apply to F-1 and J-1 students or J-1 exchange scholars for now. Under the existing Duration of Status framework, students may remain in the US as long as they are actively enrolled and maintaining their programme requirements.
The DHS had introduced the Duration of Status Final Rule as part of broader changes to how international students are admitted and allowed to stay in the US. The rule would have created a formal extension of stay procedure, requiring students to actively apply to remain rather than automatically continuing under their programme status. This sparked significant opposition from universities, student advocacy groups, and higher education organisations, ultimately leading to the legal action that resulted in the court order.
What the Ruling Means for International Students
With the court order in place, the existing Duration of Status framework continues to apply to F-1 and J-1 students and J-1 exchange scholars. Their right to remain in the US remains tied to their academic or exchange programme and its requirements, not a fixed clock. The pause does not permanently strike down the rule; a final decision on whether the rule can take effect will depend on the outcome of the ongoing litigation.
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that the US had shared what one should expect during a student visa interview. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the US had explained how people can get a visa to visit America despite entry restrictions. The US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria updated its visa policies, introducing strict entry restrictions while outlining clear steps for eligible citizens to still travel to America. While the new policies present a higher barrier to entry, the US has clarified that nonimmigrant travel for business and tourism (B1/B2) remains possible for those who meet the new criteria.
