A new federal rule limits most international student stays in the U.S.to four years, ending the previous policy that allowed students to remain for the duration of their degree.

This change, effective this fall, requires students to apply for visa extensions with rigorous checks, including biometric screening and background verification.

The policy also halves the post-graduation grace period to 30 days and restricts Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, which previously allowed science, tech, engineering, and math graduates to work for up to three years.California, home to the largest international student population in the U.S.

, faces significant disruption, with universities like UC, USC, and Cal State expressing concerns over the impact on research, education, and global ties.

The rule, part of broader Trump-era immigration restrictions, aims to address perceived abuses of the visa system but has raised alarms about potential declines in international enrollment and increased uncertainty for students.Advocates warn of a processing backlog exceeding 11 million cases, which could exacerbate challenges for students seeking extensions or work permits.

The policy marks a shift from the 1978 'duration of status' policy, which allowed indefinite stays, and reflects heightened scrutiny of foreign students' immigration status.