Harvard urges int'l students to return to US before Sept 15; here's why

Ahead of new US visa regulations set to come into effect on September 15, Harvard University has urged its international students and scholars to return to the country before the deadline. The Harvard International Office (HIO) said the recommendation applies to F-1 and J-1 students enrolled in on-campus programmes this autumn. Under the Department of Homeland Security rule, the existing “duration of status” system would be replaced by a fixed period of authorised stay for many international students and scholars. Those already in the US on September 15 and maintaining valid status would generally be allowed to remain until the later of their programme end date or the expiry of eligible post-completion work authorisation, subject to a maximum four-year period. However, students and scholars who leave the US and return on or after September 15 would become subject to the new system when they re-enter the country. What changes for international students? Under the current system, F-1 students can generally remain in the US while they continue to meet the requirements of their academic programme and maintain valid immigration status. The new rules would instead give many students a specific end date for their authorised stay. The I-94 record, which documents a traveller's admission to the US, could carry an “Admit Until Date” linked to the student's programme end date. Students who need to stay beyond that period could have to apply for an extension through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Under the existing system, universities can generally extend a student's programme dates without a separate USCIS application for an extension of stay. The changes could also affect university transfers and changes to programmes of study. Another difference concerns grace periods. Students already in the US when the rule takes effect would retain the existing 60-day grace period for F-1 holders and 30-day period for J-1 holders. For F-1 students entering under the new rules, the grace period would be reduced to 30 days. Harvard is therefore encouraging students and scholars to consider being in the US when the new rules take effect, particularly those planning international travel around the deadline. Students from countries including India who are considering travelling home should check their visa documents, Form I-20 or DS-2019 and I-94 records, and consult their university's international office before travelling. The new policy is also facing a legal challenge. A coalition of higher education organisations and labour unions has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the rules from taking effect and has asked a federal judge for a preliminary injunction. No injunction has yet been granted, meaning September 15 remains the expected implementation date for students planning their travel.