US bars F-1 students from switching courses in first year: What international students need to know
International students on F-1 visas may soon face tighter restrictions under a proposed rule from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The proposed regulation would prohibit undergraduate F-1 visa holders from changing their academic programmes, majors, or education levels during their first year of study in the US.This change is part of a broader set of reforms to student visa policies and is intended to limit flexibility in programme changes during the initial year. According to a report by Fragomen, exceptions to this restriction may only be granted by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in specific circumstances, such as school closures or extended disruptions caused by natural disasters.Restrictions on programme and education level changesThe proposed rule outlines that international students will not be permitted to shift between academic programmes, majors, or education levels within the first 12 months of enrolment. Students wishing to make such changes must wait until after the first academic year, unless SEVP grants an exemption.Additionally, once a student has completed a course of study at a specific educational level, they would no longer be eligible to return to the US under F-1 status for a second programme at the same or a lower level. This provision aims to prevent students from enrolling in multiple similar-level programmes consecutively under the same visa category.Fixed periods of stay and new grace periodsAnother major change under the DHS proposal includes the introduction of a fixed period of stay for international students. Under the new framework, students would be allowed to remain in the US for a maximum of four years, with a 30-day grace period following the end of their authorised stay. This contrasts with the current “duration of status” model, which allows students to remain as long as they are pursuing a full course of study.Students requiring more time would need to apply for an extension through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), introducing additional documentation and administrative requirements.Unlawful presence and re-entry bansUnder the proposed changes, unlawful presence in the US would begin immediately after the expiration of the fixed admission period. This could result in significant consequences for students who overstay, including three-year or ten-year bans on re-entry, depending on the length of the violation.Increased scrutiny and administrative impactThe new rule also eliminates deference to previously approved visa extensions. This means students who have had prior extensions granted could still face fresh scrutiny, further documentation requirements, and possible denial of future applications.The proposed rule will require technical updates to the SEVIS system for enforcement. If implementation proves unfeasible, DHS may delay or suspend the changes. A 30-day public comment period is open for feedback from affected stakeholders, including universities and students.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
