Court Blocks DHS Rule on International Student Visa Duration

On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued an order blocking a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that would have altered the stay duration for international students on F-1 and J-1 visas.

This ruling came just one day before the new rule was set to take effect on September 15, 2026. The case, titled Presidents' Alliance v.

DHS, No. 1:26-cv-13799-FDS, pauses the implementation of the DHS Duration of Status Final Rule while legal challenges proceed. The proposed rule aimed to establish a fixed admission period for students, contrasting with the existing framework that allows students to remain in the U.S. as long as they are enrolled and meeting program requirements.

The rule also introduced a 30-day grace period, which raised concerns among students and educational institutions. The court's decision ensures that the current "duration of status" framework remains in effect for F-1 and J-1 students and exchange scholars until a final decision is reached in the ongoing litigation.