US universities ask international students to return before new visa rules take effect

WASHINGTON: (Aug 24) Several American universities have asked international students to return to the US before the new immigration rules on fixed-term visas come into effect on September 15.

Universities have issued advisories on the new immigration rules and conducted webinars and interactive sessions with international students to sensitise them about the rules that will apply differently to those already in the US and those arriving after the deadline.

“Harvard International Office is now recommending that J-1 scholars and F-1 and J-1 international students enrolled in on-campus programmes this fall try to be in the US when a new Department of Homeland Security rule imposing four-year limits and other restrictions on student visa status takes effect on Sept 15,” the Harvard Crimson said.