The American Council on Education (ACE), along with 53 higher education associations, has called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to abandon a proposed rule that would impose fixed time limits on visas for international students and scholars.
The DHS proposal aims to replace the current “duration of status” system with strict visa timeframes. Under this plan, students and researchers whose studies or projects extend beyond the initial period would need to apply for renewals, creating uncertainty for thousands of international applicants.
In a joint letter to DHS, ACE and its partners warned that the proposed changes could create unnecessary obstacles, potentially discouraging top global talent from pursuing education and research opportunities in the U.S.
International students play a vital role in U.S. campuses, contributing both financially and culturally. Limiting visa durations, the associations argue, could place the U.S. at a disadvantage compared to other countries with more flexible student-friendly policies.
ACE highlighted that “the four-year admission cap is incompatible with academic realities. Many PhD programs take six to ten years to complete, and other pathways, such as joint degrees, medical residencies, and community college transfers, also exceed four years. Students in these programs would face the untested EOS process, which lacks clear timelines and appeal mechanisms.”
The coalition also noted that rigid visa limits would create significant administrative burdens for both students and institutions. They urged DHS to withdraw the proposal and maintain policies that uphold America’s reputation as a leading destination for global education and research.
The proposal is still under review, and DHS has yet to issue a final decision. If implemented, it could fundamentally change the visa experience for thousands of international students and scholars each year.
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