A District Court issued a preliminary injunction (PDF) pausing implementation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that replaces the current duration of status policy (PDF), issued on July 17 [refer to Washington Highlights, July 17]. Originally set to take effect Sept. 15, the final rule would establish a fixed time period for F-1, I, and J-1 visa holders, limiting a period of stay for graduate, postdoctoral, and medical residency programs to no more than four years before needing to apply for an extension. The stay issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on Sept. 14 places the fixed term policy on hold and preserves the original duration of status policy, pending further review of the court or a final judgment on the merits.
- Washington Highlights