US to issue fixed-period student visas from September

International students planning to study in the United States will face a new visa rule starting September. The F-1 student visa, which previously allowed students to stay for the duration of their academic program, will now have a fixed validity period. This change means that students must ensure their visa remains valid for the entire length of their studies. If the visa expires before the program ends, they will need to apply for an extension or renewal from within the US. The move is expected to add administrative hurdles for thousands of international students, who already face challenges such as strict immigration policies and high application fees. Currently, the F-1 visa generally permits students to remain in the US until their studies conclude, plus a 60-day grace period. The new fixed-term approach could disrupt students in long-term programs, such as PhDs, which often exceed the typical visa validity. The US government has not yet specified the exact duration for the new fixed-period visas. Critics argue that this policy may deter talented students from choosing the US, while supporters say it aims to tighten immigration controls. Universities are advising students to check their visa expiry dates and plan ahead. The change is part of broader US immigration reforms affecting temporary visas.