The Trump administration finalized a rule capping most international students’ authorized stay in the U.S. at four years, requiring many F-1 and J-1 holders to seek extensions through DHS rather than relying on the program-length approach under the prior Duration of Status policy. The change is set to take effect mid-September and also tightens major and transfer options for F-1 students. NAFSA and other higher-education stakeholders criticized the policy as shifting “life-changing educational decisions” to an already overburdened immigration system and increasing administrative and compliance burdens for students, campuses, and federal agencies. Universities—including the University of Pittsburgh in related guidance—have begun advising affected students on extension pathways. The rule also limits major changes and college transfers, including requiring additional time before changing majors or transferring for undergraduates, while graduate students face added restrictions on changing educational objectives. Student advocates said the policy increases the risk of students losing their status if they need more time due to academic, financial, or visa-processing constraints. Separately, related reporting indicates the policy direction continues a broader immigration enforcement approach that is already reshaping enrollment planning for colleges and universities that recruit international students.