Harvard University has instructed all foreign scholars and students to be physically present in the United States before the Department of Homeland Security’s new immigration rules take effect on September 15. The new policy shortens the F‑1 visa grace period from 60 days to 30 days, forcing many to seek extensions directly from USCIS.

  • New DHS immigration rules start September 15, 2026
  • Harvard requires all F‑1 and J‑1 students to remain in the US on that date
  • F‑1 grace period reduced from 60 to 30 days

Overview of the New Immigration Policy

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized rules that replace the “duration of status” framework with fixed admission periods for F‑1, J‑1 and I‑visa holders. Effective September 15, 2026, foreign students, scholars and exchange visitors will no longer be allowed to stay in the United States solely by maintaining academic status; they must adhere to a defined admission window.

Harvard’s Formal Advisory

Harvard’s website now states that any J‑1 scholar or F‑1/J‑1 student enrolled in an on‑campus program for the fall term must be physically present in the United States on the rule’s effective date. Leaving the country after September 15 and re‑entering will trigger the new admission‑date calculations, potentially affecting future extension requests.

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Changes to Grace Periods

Under the current system, F‑1 visa holders enjoy a 60‑day grace period after program completion, while J‑1 holders receive 30 days. The new regulation will cut the F‑1 grace period to just 30 days, aligning it with J‑1. Students wishing to remain beyond this window must file a direct extension request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a shift from the previous university‑mediated process.

Responses from Other Universities

Columbia University has already set a September 8 deadline for its international cohort, and institutions such as Ohio State, Georgetown, George Washington and the University of Chicago have issued similar guidance, urging students to plan travel and re‑entry carefully.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that these tightened visa rules could deter a significant portion of high‑skill talent from choosing the United States for graduate studies, potentially shifting the global education market toward Canada, Europe, and Australia.

"The reduction of the grace period fundamentally changes risk calculations for international students," says immigration law professor Dr. Anita Sharma.
Did You Know?: A similar rule change in 2020 led to a 12 % drop in F‑1 student arrivals the following year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I stay in the US after September 15 without any issues?
A1: Only if you obtain a valid extension from USCIS that aligns with the new admission dates.

Q2: How will my I‑94 be affected if I travel after September 15?
A2: Your Admit Until Date (AUD) may be adjusted to match the program end date on your I‑20/DS‑2019, which could impact future status extensions.