New US visa rule: Why Harvard wants international students back by September 15

Harvard international students have been urged to return to the US before September 15 as new DHS immigration rules take effect.

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Aug 25, 2026 05:48 PM IST

For those foreign students who remain in the US when the rule comes into effect, they’ll retain the 60-day grace period for F-1 visa holders. (AI generated image)

Harvard University has advised international students enrolled in the on-campus programme this fall to return to the United States ahead of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) new federal immigration rules, which take effect on September 15.

Harvard University’s recommendation states that J-1 scholars and F-1 and J-1 international students registered in on-campus programs for the fall term must remain physically present in the United States on the rule’s effective date.

New DHS rules to replace ‘duration of status’

The development comes as the Trump administration has finalised the rules to replace “duration of status” with fixed admission periods for F-1, J-1, and I (foreign media and journalists) visa holders, which implies that foreign students, scholars, and exchange visitors can stay in America as long as they maintain their academic status.

The rule states that if an international student or scholar (or dependent), including one who was physically present in the US on the effective date, leaves America and re-enters after September 15, they will be subject to new rules upon their reentry.

F-1 grace period set to be shortened

For those foreign students who remain in the US when the rule comes into effect, they’ll retain the 60-day grace period for F-1 visa holders and the 30-day grace period for J-1 visa holders.

However, under the new rule, the grace period for F-1 visa holders is poised to be shortened to 30 days.

Students may need USCIS extension

Under the new DHS rule, students who wish to remain in the US beyond their authorised admission period will have to file an extension with the US Citizenship and immigration Services (USCIS).

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In the current system, students were required to extend their programme dates via their respective universities, and not apply separately to USCIS.

Harvard warns about international travel

Harvard University’s website states, “International travel after September 15, 2026, may result in the Admit Until Date (AUD) on your Form I-94 being changed to match the program end date on your I-20/DS-2019, which may affect how any future extensions of status are granted. “

Other US universities issue return guidelines

Reports stated that, apart from Harvard, Columbia University has set a deadline for international students to return by September 8.

Ohio State University, Georgetown, George Washington (GW), and the University of Chicago have also issued guidelines and warned foreign students to plan their return according to the new rules of DHS.

Nischai Vats

Nischai Vats is a Deputy Copy Editor at The Indian Express. His work primarily covers US politics and visa and immigration policy, alongside broader international developments, with an emphasis on accuracy, verification, and clear explainers. Experience Nischai joined The Indian Express in May 2024 where he works on writing, editing, and refining high-impact stories for digital platforms. His role involves ensuring editorial consistency, factual accuracy, and clarity in coverage of complex policy-driven subjects. Earlier in his career, he worked across Indian digital newsrooms in reporting and editing roles, including stints at Inshorts, Newslaundry, Tiranga TV, and Catch News. His newsroom experience spans rapid digital publishing, ground reporting, and copy editing across national, civic, and policy beats. Expertise His core areas of focus include: US politics and governance: Coverage of American political developments, executive actions, and policy shifts. US visa and immigration policy: Reporting and editing stories on visa categories, regulatory changes, and immigration pathways affecting global audiences. Editorial accuracy and copy editing: Ensuring clarity, language precision, and verification in fast-paced digital news environments. Authoritativeness and trustworthiness Nischai's journalism is grounded in verified sources, official documentation, and clear attribution, in line with The Indian Express’ editorial standards. His background across reporting and editing enables him to translate complex policy updates into reliable, reader-friendly coverage. ... Read More

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