- By Vaidika Thapa
- Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:10 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Federal judge blocks Trump's proposed international student visa cap.
- Rule sought 4-year limit for F-1, J-1 visas, 240 days for journalists.
- Decision offers temporary relief for international students, including Indians.
US Visa News: In a major relief for international students in the US, including thousands from India, a federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration rule on their stay. The proposed rule sought to change how long foreign students could remain in the country. The decision came just a day before the new policy was due to take effect, giving students and universities some relief.
US Judge Puts Four-Year Student Stay Limit On Hold
US District Judge F Dennis Saylor in Boston on Monday blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from putting the new rule into effect. The proposed policy would have introduced a four-year limit for most international students and cultural exchange visitors. It would also have placed a 240-day limit on the stay of most foreign journalists.
Current Rule For International Students
Usually, students entering the US on F-1 visas are admitted under a system called “duration of status”, or D/S. Students are not given a fixed number of years to stay and they generally remain in the US as long as they maintain their student status and continue making progress in their approved academic programme.
STORY | US judge blocks Trump administration move to cap stays on student, scholar visas
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 15, 2026
A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration rule that sought to put a cap on stays of foreign students, journalists and exchange visitors, a day before it was to come into… pic.twitter.com/4QnzQa1DsF
However, the Trump administration wanted to replace this system with a fixed period of admission. Under the proposed rule, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors would generally have been allowed to stay for up to four years. Students who needed more time could have had to apply for an extension, adding more paperwork and expenses.
What Does It Mean For Students?
For now, the ruling means the proposed changes will not take effect on September 15. International students, including Indians can continue to follow the existing rules while the case moves through the courts. They do not need to leave the US or apply for an extension simply because their course lasts longer than four years.
Students can continue under the existing duration-of-status system while the court case continues. As per reports, the University of Washington, has informed international students that the new rule will not take effect on September 15 and that they should continue following the existing guidance.
The move is particularly important for Indian students pursuing PhDs, research programmes or other courses that may take more than four years to complete. However, the court's decision is only a temporary setback for the administration's proposed immigration changes. It does not permanently cancel the rule as the US government can challenge the judge's decision.
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