Department of Homeland Security Imposes Four-Year Visa Limit on International Students and University of Miami Restricts Internships

International students at the University of Miami face a strict four-year visa cap, a reduced 30-day grace period to leave the country after graduation, and halted approval for non-mandatory internships, altering their employment and education timelines.

• •The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule replacing flexible Duration of Status with a strict four-year maximum Admit Until Date on July 16, 2026.
• •The new nationwide federal guidelines take effect on September 15, 2026.
• •The grace period for international students to leave the U.S. after completing their program is decreased from 60 days to 30 days.
• •International students requiring more than four years to finish their programs must apply for an Extension of Stay through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, unless their regular program length exceeds four years like architecture.
• •Undergraduates cannot change majors or schools during their freshman year, and graduate students cannot change their program at all.
• •Students who complete their programs can only move to higher-level education, such as bachelor's to master's, not backward.
• •International students make up 7% to 8% of the admitted class at the University of Miami, totaling more than 800 people.
• •Students exiting the U.S. after September 15 will receive an updated I-94 form reflecting the new Admit Until Date guidelines.
• •Students seeking Optional Practical Training work permits must apply for an Extension of Stay unless they apply before March 18, 2027.
• •The University of Miami halted processing of Curricular Practical Training applications that are not specifically required for degree completion in the Academic Bulletin.
• •The Student and Exchange Visitor Program issued a reminder/warning on CPT eligibility on August 12, prompting UM's CPT restrictions.