A New Era of Scrutiny
The landscape for international students in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has intensified its focus on student visa compliance, aiming to curb fraud and enhance national security.
A major policy shift, effective September 15, 2026, ends the long-standing 'duration of status' system, which allowed students to remain in the US as long as they were enrolled in a course of study. Now, most students will be admitted for a fixed period, typically not exceeding four years, requiring formal, federally approved extensions for longer programs. This change is part of a broader strategy to restore what officials call "integrity to the nation's immigration system" by eliminating loopholes that allowed for perpetual enrollment and potential abuse. This means universities no longer have the final say on extensions; the federal government does, subjecting students to additional vetting.
The High-Stakes World of CPT and OPT
For many Indian students, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are essential for gaining work experience. However, these programs are now under a microscope. CPT allows for work integral to a student's curriculum, while OPT provides for work experience after graduation. The rules are strict and the consequences for violations, even accidental ones, are severe. A common and critical mistake involves full-time CPT. If a student accumulates 12 months or more of full-time CPT (over 20 hours per week), they permanently lose their eligibility for OPT at that degree level. Part-time CPT (20 hours or less per week) does not count toward this limit. Other common violations include starting work even one day before CPT or OPT is officially authorized on your I-20 or Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or working for an unapproved employer. Such actions are considered unauthorized employment and can lead to immediate termination of your student status.
What 'Increased Cost' Really Means
The headline's mention of 'cost' isn't just financial. While applying for extensions will now involve fees of over $400, the true price of non-compliance is far higher. The most immediate risk is the termination of your SEVIS record—the government database entry that validates your legal status. Since early 2025, thousands of student visas have been revoked and SEVIS records terminated, often without warning. A status violation can also lead to deportation and a multi-year or even permanent bar on re-entering the United States. It jeopardizes your ability to transfer schools, change your visa status in the future (for example, to an H-1B work visa), and can result in the loss of thousands of dollars in tuition and legal fees. The grace period to depart the country after a program ends has also been reduced from 60 to 30 days under the new rules.
How to Stay Safe and Compliant
While the environment is stricter, navigating it successfully is entirely possible with diligence. The foundation of staying in status is maintaining a full-time course load and keeping your passport and I-20 form valid at all times. Your Designated School Official (DSO) is your most important resource; consult them before making any changes to your employment, course load, or major. Be meticulous with record-keeping. Keep copies of all I-20s, employment offer letters, and communications with your DSO. Finally, be wary of scams or consultants offering advice that seems too good to be true. The government is actively cracking down on immigration fraud, and relying on bad advice can have devastating consequences. Your university's international student office is the only reliable source for guidance on your status.
