Immigration updates

Immigration advisories for international students and employees

Stay informed about the latest U.S. immigration updates that may affect international students, faculty, staff and post docs, including visa policies and proposed changes such as Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 visas. While some updates are still under review, this page outlines what’s being proposed, what it could mean for you and how University of Idaho is here to support you every step of the way.

Proposed changes to Duration of Status and available support

Summary of proposed Duration of Status changes

On Aug. 28, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule that would end “duration of status” (D/S) for F (academic students), J (exchange visitors) and most I (representatives of foreign media) visa holders.

The proposal is titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.”

Read the NAFSA publication (Oct. 28, 2025) for more details.

Note: This is only a proposal. The rule has not been finalized, and no changes are in effect at this time.

What is included in the Duration of Status proposal?

If implemented, the proposal would introduce several changes to Duration of Status, including:

  • A fixed period of admissions to the United States.
  • A formal I-539 extension of stay process with USCIS.
  • Restricting transfers and changes of educational objectives (with graduate students prohibited from changing programs) and caps on types of study (English language programs).
  • A shortened grace period after program completion.
  • Prohibition on lateral or reverse matriculation, barring F-1 students from pursuing a program at the same or lower educational level after completing one.

What changes are happening to Duration of Status right now?

At this time, nothing is changing.

The current duration of status (D/S) system remains in place while the proposal is under review. No immediate action is required.

Your existing immigration documents and any authorized employment (e.g., on-campus work, OPT, CPT, Academic Training) continue under current rules.

What is University of Idaho doing regarding the proposed Duration of Status changes?

The International Programs Office (IPO) is actively monitoring the proposal and reviewing potential impacts.

Because this is not a final rule and may change, we are not advising on hypothetical scenarios at this time. We will provide guidance if and when official updates are announced.

Stay informed on Duration of Status changes at UIdaho

We encourage you to stay updated as more information becomes available.

  • Watch for emails from IPO
  • Check this page regularly for updates
  • Contact us at IPO@uidaho.edu with questions about your individual situation

Stay informed with Homebase

International students and employees can access up-to-date immigration advisories and support resources by logging in to Homebase.

Access Homebase