New federal rule caps visa durations for international students, scholars

On July 17, the Department of Homeland Security announced it will replace the "duration of status" model for F and J visa holders and their dependents with fixed-period visa allocations. Currently, the DHS admits F-1 students and J-1 exchange scholars for a flexible amount of time known as " duration of status ." This system allows visa holders to reside in the United States as long as they are…