Several major US universities have advised international students to return to the country before September 15, when new federal immigration rules are scheduled to take effect.
The new rules will replace the long-standing “duration of status” system with fixed periods of admission for holders of F, J and I category visas, covering academic students, exchange visitors and foreign media personnel.
Universities including Harvard, Columbia, Ohio State University, Georgetown, George Washington University and the University of Chicago have warned that the change could affect how long international students are allowed to remain in the United States.
Students planning international travel around the September 15 deadline have also been urged to review their plans, as those who enter or re-enter the US after the new rules take effect could be admitted under the fixed-period system.
Harvard’s International Office has advised F-1 and J-1 students and scholars to ensure they are physically present in the US by September 15. Columbia University has recommended an even earlier return date of September 8 to allow enough time ahead of the transition.
Georgetown’s Office of Global Services has sent targeted warnings to students, scholars and alumni, while George Washington University has advised students to check their immigration records through its portal on or shortly after September 15 to confirm their new program-end dates.
The University of Chicago has also held urgent informational webinars explaining the changes, including restrictions on academic mobility and a shorter grace period after students complete their programs.
What Will Change?
Under the current system, eligible F-1 students are generally allowed to remain in the US for the duration of their academic program as long as they maintain their immigration status.
Under the new system, students entering or re-entering the US after September 15 will generally receive a specific “Admit Until Date” on their Form I-94. Their authorized stay will normally be tied to the length of their academic program, with a maximum initial admission period of four years.
This could particularly affect students enrolled in doctoral, medical and other programs that take longer than four years. Students who need additional time may have to apply for an extension through US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Students who are already in the US on September 15 and maintain valid F-1 or J-1 status will generally be covered by transition provisions and will not immediately be subject to a new admission period.
However, if they leave the country and return after September 15, they could be admitted under the new fixed-period system.
Grace Period Reduced to 30 Days
Another major change is the reduction of the grace period for F-1 students after completing their studies from 60 days to 30 days.
The rules could also affect students who transfer institutions, change academic programs, require additional time to complete their studies, or plan to use Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT.
Rule Challenged in Federal Court
The policy is currently facing a federal court challenge. However, unless a court blocks or delays the rule, universities are advising students to prepare for the September 15 implementation date.
International students currently outside the US who plan to return for the fall semester are being encouraged to return before the deadline and check their passport, visa, Form I-20 or DS-2019 and I-94 before travelling.
Visit EduNation to find scholarships from around the world.
The post Major US Universities Issue Important Warning to International Students appeared first on ProPakistani.