US F-1 Visa Rules: No More Course Changes for International Students

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-08-30 16:00:27 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-31 00:51:17

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 0

---

Immigrant students, exchange visitors, and foreign journalists in the US may soon face stricter regulations, which will impact how (and whether) they can study and work in the country.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to amend the F-1 visa program for international students, making it harder for people to change their courses while studying in the US. Currently, students on an F-1 visa can transfer schools or change their major without penalty. But the new rules will prohibit any course changes unless they are deemed "necessary" by an international student adviser or a designated school official.

This move comes amid a wider crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration, which has seen heightened scrutiny of immigrant communities and a series of reforms that have restricted pathways to residency and citizenship.

These new regulations will impact students looking to transfer to other schools or programs, those who want to pursue new majors, and those who change their educational levels (e.g., from undergraduate to graduate). It means that any change in their status will bring their visa eligibility into question, leaving many students feeling uncertain about their future in the US.

It's worth noting that this proposal is not final and is subject to a 30-day comment period for the public and stakeholders to provide feedback.

Go!