PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Update from Office of Global Engagement – Proposed Change in International Student Duration of Status
The Office of Global Engagement is providing an update regarding the proposed rule change by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create a fixed maximum 4-year (in some cases far less) duration of status for all international students and scholars.
Currently, nonimmigrant students are admitted to the U.S. in F or J status for a period of time called "duration of status" or D/S. In practice, the student remains in status so long as they continue to meet the enrollment requirements of their specified program of study and do not otherwise violate any regulations of their visa. If a student needs more time to complete their program of study, they apply for an extension with the UIC Office of International Services (OIS) with supporting documentation from their academic unit.
Under the proposed rule change, nonimmigrant students would be admitted to the U.S. in F or J status for a fixed period of time not to exceed four years. A student could be admitted for a period of less than four years if the Department of Homeland Security considers their country to pose risks due to security or high "suspected overstay rates." Students who need more time to complete their program of study would have to apply for an extension with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for which they would likely be charged a fee. There are other aspects of the proposed change would would impact CPT and OPT.
Individuals may participate in the rulemaking process by submitting written comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or alternative methods outlined in the proposed rule. Comments must be submitted by Oct. 26, 2020 and must refer to DHS Docket No. ICEB-2019-0006. Comments will be part of the public record, including any personal or biographical information included therein.
OIS has already hosted three Town Halls for student and administrators on the proposed rule and will continue to provide additional updates at https://www.ois.uic.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=1581&pageId=189819/
Anyone with questions or concerns about the announcement should contact OIS at ois@uic.edu or +1 (312) 996-3121.