The Trump administration is rolling out a regulation that establishes a firm time limit on how long international students may initially remain in the United States on their visas.

International students have historically been permitted to stay for the full length of their academic programs on F-1 visas. Under the new measure announced Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security will restrict the initial admission window to four years, even when the chosen course of study extends beyond that span.

The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15 following congressional review. Students needing additional time must then submit an extension request to DHS or depart and return to secure fresh admission.

Additional restrictions will also apply. Graduates will no longer be allowed to begin another program at the same level or lower on F-1 status. They may only pursue studies at a higher academic level, such as advancing from a master's degree to a doctorate.

The grace period for leaving the country after finishing a program or optional practical training will shrink from 60 days to 30 days.

DHS pointed to oversight difficulties stemming from a sharp increase in international enrollments, along with concerns over overstays, fraud, and security risks as reasons for the overhaul.

Markwayne Mullin, secretary of Homeland Security, stated that clear time limits will help the United States screen and monitor visitors more effectively while ensuring students complete their education and return home.

The regulation indicates that the changes will not create excessive hardship for affected visa categories and that extensions will generally be available when needed.

Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, warned that the policy risks discouraging top global talent at a moment of rising international competition for skilled individuals.

The Trump administration previously introduced a $100,000 fee for the H-1B visa

This action continues a series of tighter immigration measures. Last year the government imposed a $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B sponsorships, a decision later blocked by a federal judge and still under review. In May a USCIS memo suggested that some green-card applicants might need to leave the United States during processing.