University of Idaho International Programs Office Monitors Proposed Federal Immigration Rule Changes Affecting Students and Employees in Idaho
The University of Idaho’s International Programs Office is advising international students, faculty, staff and postdoctoral researchers to stay informed as a proposed federal rule could significantly alter how long certain visa holders may remain in the United States for academic purposes. The proposal, announced in August 2025 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has not been finalized, and university officials emphasize that no changes are currently in effect.
What the Proposed Rule Would Change
The proposed rule, formally titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” would eliminate the existing “Duration of Status” — commonly known as D/S — for holders of F visas, which cover academic students, J visas for exchange visitors, and most I visas issued to representatives of foreign media organizations.
Under the current D/S system, qualifying visa holders may remain in the United States as long as they maintain their academic or program status, without a hard expiration date stamped in their travel documents. The proposed rule would replace that system with a fixed period of admission, requiring individuals to formally apply for an extension of stay through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services using the I-539 form if they need to remain beyond that fixed window.
Additional provisions in the proposal would restrict the ability of students to transfer institutions or change their educational objectives. Graduate students would be prohibited from changing programs under the proposal. The rule would also cap enrollment in English language programs and shorten the grace period international students receive after completing their course of study. Under the proposal, F-1 visa holders would also be barred from pursuing a degree at the same or lower educational level after having already completed one — a practice sometimes called lateral or reverse matriculation.
For international students currently on Optional Practical Training, Curricular Practical Training, or Academic Training through their visa program, the University of Idaho’s IPO notes that existing authorized employment continues to operate under current rules while the proposal remains under review.
University of Idaho’s Response and Guidance
The University of Idaho’s International Programs Office confirmed it is actively monitoring the proposal and reviewing its potential impacts on the Moscow campus community. Because the rule has not been finalized and remains subject to change, the IPO stated it is not currently advising students or employees on hypothetical scenarios. The office said it will provide formal guidance if and when federal authorities announce official updates.
International students and employees at the University of Idaho are encouraged to watch for direct communications from the IPO, regularly check the university’s immigration updates webpage, and reach out to the office at IPO@uidaho.edu with questions specific to their individual situations. The university also directs international community members to access its Homebase platform, where up-to-date immigration advisories and support resources are available after logging in.
The University of Idaho hosts a substantial international population across its academic and research programs, and immigration policy changes at the federal level carry significant implications for both enrollment and workforce continuity on campus. For broader statewide context on how federal policy changes are affecting Idaho institutions, readers can follow coverage at Idaho News and the Idaho News Network.
Students interested in other upcoming opportunities at the university can also find information about the 59th annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, scheduled for April 22–25, and recent recognition of international heritage through the Lindley Award, whose latest winner was inspired by his grandfather’s immigration journey.
What Comes Next
The proposed Duration of Status rule remains under federal review, and no implementation timeline has been set. The University of Idaho’s International Programs Office will continue monitoring developments and will update its guidance as the federal rulemaking process advances. International students, faculty and staff with immediate concerns about their visa status are encouraged to contact the IPO directly at IPO@uidaho.edu rather than waiting for broader announcements.