US Visa Rule Change: Harvard Advises Students to Return Before Sept 15

Harvard has advised F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars to be physically present in the US when new fixed-duration admission rules take effect on September 15.

Harvard University has advised its international students and scholars to plan their travel carefully and, where possible, be physically present in the United States before September 15, 2026, when a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule affecting F-1 and J-1 visa holders takes effect. Harvard's International Office issued the guidance as it works through the implications of the new regulations.

The rule changes the way many international students and scholars are admitted to the US. The existing “duration of status” (D/S) system will be replaced with a fixed period of admission for F and J nonimmigrants. The final DHS rule was published on July 17 and takes effect on September 15.

Harvard Issues Travel Guidance

Harvard's International Office said on August 19 that it recommends F-1 and J-1 international students enrolled in on-campus fall programmes, as well as J-1 scholars, try to be physically present in the US on September 15.

The university clarified that the rule does not immediately prevent admitted students from beginning the Fall 2026 semester. However, international travel after the effective date could have consequences under the new system.

Harvard has also warned that the situation remains fluid and that some questions surrounding international travel and specific academic programmes may not be fully resolved before the rule takes effect.

Duration Of Status Ends

Under the existing system, eligible F-1 and J-1 students and scholars can generally remain in the US while maintaining their immigration status and progressing through their approved programme.

The new system introduces a fixed admission period. Harvard says new visa applicants will generally receive a maximum stay of four years or the length of their programme, whichever is shorter, followed by a grace period for departure.

Students who need additional time may have to apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay (EOS) and provide a reason supporting the request.

What Happens To Current Students?

Current students and scholars who are physically present in the US and maintaining F or J status on September 15 will be covered by transition arrangements.

According to Harvard, they generally will not need to immediately file an extension request. Their authorised stay will continue until the later of the programme end date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019, or the expiration of applicable post-completion work authorisation, subject to a maximum of four years from September 15.

Existing grace-period provisions will also remain applicable to these students under the transition arrangements.

Travel After September 15

The most important issue for international students is international travel after the new rule takes effect.

Harvard says that if a current student or scholar leaves the US and re-enters after September 15, the new rule will apply upon re-entry. The student's Admit Until Date (AUD) on Form I-94 could be affected and may correspond to the programme end date shown on the I-20 or DS-2019.

This is why Harvard is encouraging students who are currently outside the US or planning international travel to carefully review their individual circumstances before travelling.

Impact On Indian Students

The changes are particularly relevant to the large number of Indian students studying in the United States on F-1 visas.

Students planning to travel to India around the September 15 deadline should review their passport, visa, Form I-20, travel signature and I-94 record before leaving the US.

Harvard's travel guidance also recommends ensuring that required immigration documents are valid before international travel.

Students should consult their university's international office for advice specific to their programme and immigration status rather than relying on general information circulating online.

Extension Rules Tightened

The new regulations also introduce changes beyond the fixed admission period.

Harvard says students who need more time may have to seek an Extension of Stay through USCIS. The rule also places restrictions on changes in educational objectives and certain changes of programme level.

For example, students completing one programme level may generally pursue a higher degree, while certain lateral or lower-level changes are restricted under the new framework.

These provisions could be particularly relevant to students considering programme changes, transfers or extended study periods.

Legal Challenge Underway

The new rule is already facing a legal challenge.

Harvard's International Office said that on August 18, the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts and NAFSA, among others, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston seeking to invalidate the rule.

The groups have also sought an interim stay or preliminary injunction. However, Harvard said the litigation does not currently change the rule's status, and its outcome remains uncertain.

What Students Should Do

International students should not make travel decisions based solely on the September 15 date. Instead, they should check their individual immigration documents and university guidance.

Students planning international travel should:

• Check the validity of their F-1 or J-1 visa.
• Ensure their I-20 or DS-2019 is valid.
• Check their I-94 admission record.
• Ensure they have the required travel signature.
• Contact their university's international office before travelling.
• Check whether they may need an Extension of Stay in the future.

Harvard's guidance is particularly important for students who expect to travel outside the US after September 15.

What Happens Next

The DHS rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Harvard's International Office says it will continue monitoring the implementation and the ongoing legal challenge and will update students as further information becomes available.

For international students, the key message is that being in the US on the effective date may provide transition protections, while travelling abroad and returning after September 15 could place them under the new fixed-admission framework.

Students should therefore consult their university's international office and official US immigration guidance before finalising international travel plans.

Note: Immigration rules can change through government action or court orders. Students should rely on the latest official guidance from DHS, USCIS and their university's international office for individual cases.