In a significant policy shift, the US immigration agency has announced that F-1 visa holders can only participate in study abroad programs lasting less than 5 months if they want to maintain their student status. While the long-standing 5-month absence rule isn't new, its application to study abroad programs marks a notable change in immigration policy for international students.

What has changed for F-1 students?

Previously, this affected F-1 visa holders who left the US for reasons unrelated to their studies, such as family visits or personal travel. So they could participate in overseas programs – sometimes lasting a full academic year – without jeopardizing their visa status. As long as they remained enrolled in a US school, the 5-month absence rule did not apply.

Now, under the new guidelines, students must limit the length of their study abroad programs to avoid losing their F-1 status. Exceeding this limit could result in losing the ability to re-enter the US and continue their studies.

This policy change is expected to affect many international students, particularly those enrolled in long-term study abroad programs. The US remains a top destination for international students, many seeking to enrich their education with overseas experiences. With the new rule, students will need to reconsider or reconfigure how they approach global study opportunities.

Maintaining visa status under the new rule

F-1 visa holders considering study abroad programs will need to be cautious to avoid any unintended consequences for their visa status. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Limiting overseas study to under 5 months: You must carefully choose programs that fit within the time frame.
• Staying enrolled in a US institution: Despite the change, you still need to maintain full-time enrollment in a US school while abroad.
• Consulting with international student advisors: Schools are encouraging F-1 visa holders to seek guidance from their international offices to ensure compliance with the new rule.

If a study abroad program extends beyond five months, students will need to seek readmission in initial status, which also means obtaining a new Form I-20.

Impact on study abroad programs

The new five-month limit is expected to reshape study abroad opportunities for international students on F-1 visas. Under the updated regulations, long-term programs, such as year-long exchanges, may no longer be feasible. This policy change will likely push US universities to rethink the structure of their study abroad offerings.

To comply with the new rule, universities may need to shift their focus toward offering shorter-term options, such as summer sessions or semester-long programs, that allow F-1 students to remain in compliance with immigration requirements while still gaining valuable international experience.

What's next?

For international students eager to gain global experience, staying informed and proactive will be crucial. Engaging with academic advisors and international student offices can provide valuable insights into available options. Ultimately, this policy shift emphasizes the importance of understanding immigration regulations and their impact on academic opportunities, encouraging students to seek creative solutions that enrich their education both in the US and abroad.