The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement finalized a rule capping time in the U.S. for many F and J visa holders at four years, with extensions handled through DHS. Under the new policy, graduate students on F visas would need federal approval to extend study timelines and would face restrictions on changing educational objectives or transferring unless granted an exemption for “extenuating circumstances.” The rule also limits how quickly undergraduates can change majors and institutions. The change is set to take effect mid-September. Student and higher education advocates described it as an intrusion into academic decision-making, moving students’ major and transfer choices into an overburdened federal process rather than institutional advising. Universities will need to adjust compliance support and counseling workflows for international students, including advising on extensions, biometric vetting, background checks, and timelines—particularly for students nearing program-end dates.