The Trump administration finalized a Department of Homeland Security rule ending the 1978 “Duration of Status” policy that previously allowed many F and J visa students to remain in the U.S. for as long as they were making progress toward their academic or research objectives. Under the new framework, students’ stay is limited to expected program end dates, with the total stay capped at no more than four years. F-1 holders would also have only 30 days (instead of 60) to depart the U.S. or acquire new papers, with extensions requiring federal immigration processes including biometric vetting, background checks, and fraud screening. DHS finalizes the change with an effective date in mid-September, and currently enrolled students get four years to remain. Universities, international offices, and student services teams are warning the policy shifts life-changing educational decisions into an already burdened immigration pipeline, while limiting flexibility for major changes, transfers, and extended study. If implemented as described, the rule is poised to affect international enrollment strategy, compliance staffing needs, and graduate student progression—particularly for students who must extend timelines due to program design, research milestones, or visa processing delays.