The US Department of Homeland Security has finalized the biggest change to student visas in 50 years — ending the long-standing "Duration of Status" policy for F-1 and J-1 visa holders and replacing it with a fixed time period, effective September 15, 2026.

Previously, F-1 (student) and J-1 (exchange visitor) visa holders were admitted under a policy called "Duration of Status" (D/S) — meaning they could remain in the US for as long as they maintained their status (full-time enrollment, program progress, etc.), without a fixed end date.

Under the new rule, effective September 15, 2026, this changes to a fixed time period of admission:

What Is Changing?

Admitted for the length of their program, or up to 4 years, whichever date is earlier 🔹 International journalists (I visa): Admitted for the length of their project, or a maximum of 240 days, whichever is shorter (90 days maximum for journalists from China) 🔹 A formalized Extension of Stay (EOS) process is introduced, now overseen directly by DHS rather than through the previous flexible framework

F-1 and J-1 students:

Anyone in the US in F, J, or I status on or after September 15, 2026 becomes subject to these new deadlines — even if you entered before this date 🔹 Example: An F-1 student in the US on September 15, 2026, with 3 years left in their undergraduate program and no OPT eligibility, would be limited to their program end date, plus the current 60-day grace period 🔹 Dependents (spouses, children) accompanying F, J, or I visa holders are also subject to these same fixed-period rules

Who Is Affected?

🔹 August 5, 2026: USCIS announced updated policy guidance on evidence requirements, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), effective immediately for pending or new benefit requests 🔹 May 22, 2026: USCIS announced that green card adjustment of status must now go through consular processing via the Department of State outside the US, rather than being adjusted domestically in many cases 🔹 January 1, 2026: New H-1B restrictions took effect for citizens of 39 countries, alongside a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications submitted on or after September 21, 2025

Additional Related US Immigration Updates:

If you're planning to study in the US, this changes how you should think about program length and long-term plans: 🔹 Build in extra buffer time for the formal Extension of Stay process if your program may run long 🔹 PhD students and those in longer programs should pay especially close attention, since the 4-year cap could require a formal extension application partway through 🔹 The end of "Duration of Status" means closer monitoring and less built-in flexibility than international students have traditionally had in the US

What This Means for Your US Study Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

US Student Visa Rules 2026

Complete guide on preparing financial proof, writing a winning Statement of Purpose (SOP), submitting biometrics, medical exams, and securing post-graduation work rights (PGWP) in Canada.

Canadian Study Permit & Student Visa Guide

Everything international students need to know about Australia's Subclass 500 Student Visa — fees, financial requirements, work rights, processing times, and how to apply.

Application charge: AUD 2,500 for most applicants (as of 1 July 2026), non-refundable 🔹 ASEAN passport holders: reduced fee of AUD 2,050 🔹 English language/non-award (ELICOS) courses: separate fee of AUD 2,050 🔹 Additional family members (partner/child) charged separately

Visa Fees (2026):

Primary applicant: AUD 29,710/year for living costs 🔹 Spouse/de facto partner: additional AUD 10,394 🔹 Each dependent child: additional AUD 4,449 🔹 Must also demonstrate funds for tuition (first year) and return airfare 🔹 Accepted evidence: bank statements, loans, scholarships, or government funding

Financial Requirements (2026):

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire visa duration 🔹 Cost: approximately AUD 500–700/year for a single applicant 🔹 Must be purchased from an Australian government-approved insurer before lodging your visa application

Health Insurance:

48 hours per fortnight during study terms 🔹 Unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks 🔹 Master's by Research and PhD students: no work hour restriction at any time

Work Rights:

Valid Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from a registered Australian institution 🔹 Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement (replaced the old GTE statement in March 2024) — assessed on study commitment, visa compliance history, financial circumstances, immigration history, personal circumstances, and home country ties 🔹 English language proficiency proof (unless exempt) 🔹 Health examinations and police clearance certificates (as required)

Requirements to Apply:

Standard: 4–6 weeks for 75% of applications 🔹 Peak season (June–August): can extend to 8–12 weeks

Processing Times:

Including tuition, OSHC, visa fee, and living costs, total first-year costs typically range from AUD 25,000 to AUD 55,000 depending on your course and institution.

Total First-Year Cost Estimate

Receive an offer and obtain your eCoE from your Australian institution
Purchase OSHC from an approved provider
Prepare financial evidence, English proficiency proof, and required health/character documents
Lodge your application online via ImmiAccount
Pay the non-refundable visa application charge
Await processing (4–6 weeks standard) and respond promptly to any requests for additional information

Application Process:

Australia Student Visa

Planning to study in Turkey? This complete Turkey Student Visa Guide explains the entire application process, required documents, visa costs, residence permit requirements, processing time, and important information every international student should know before travelling.

Visa Type: Student Visa
Country: Turkey
Purpose: Higher Education
Application Mode: Turkish Embassy/Consulate
Residence Permit: Required After Arrival
Processing Time: Approximately 2–8 Weeks

Visa Information

Most international students planning to study at a Turkish university must obtain a student visa before travelling to Turkey. After arrival, they are also required to apply for a student residence permit within the specified time.

Who Needs a Turkey Student Visa?

Affordable tuition fees
Internationally recognized universities
Modern campuses and research opportunities
Rich cultural experience
Opportunity to work part-time (subject to regulations)
Gateway between Europe and Asia

Why Study in Turkey?

Before travelling to Turkey, students must apply for a Student Entry Visa at the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Important points:

Apply through the Turkish Embassy or Consulate.
This is a D-Type Student Visa.
A tourist e-Visa cannot be converted into a student visa.
You must obtain your student visa before travelling.

Student Entry Visa

| Item                                 | Estimated Cost                                                 |
| ------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Student Visa Fee                     | $50–150 (Varies by nationality)                                |
| Residence Permit Card                | 964 TL                                                         |
| Single Entry Visa Fee                | Varies                                                         |
| SGK Health Insurance                 | 2,500–3,500 TL per year                                        |
| Private Health Insurance             | 345–1,050 TL (17–25 years)                                     |
| Private Insurance (Older Applicants) | Up to 7,000 TL                                                 |
| Translation & Notarization           | 6,000–6,500 TL                                                 |
| Estimated First-Year Visa Cost       | Approximately $100–350 (excluding tuition and living expenses) |


Estimated Costs

Applicants usually need:

Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
University Acceptance Letter
Completed Visa Application Form
Recent Passport-size Photographs
Proof of Financial Support
Health Insurance (if requested)
Accommodation Details
Additional documents requested by the Turkish Embassy

Required Documents

The processing time generally ranges from:

2 to 8 weeks

Processing may vary depending on your nationality and the embassy where you apply.

Visa Processing Time

After arriving in Turkey, every international student must apply for a Student Residence Permit.

Key information:

Apply within 30 days of arrival.
Application is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
Your university will register your student information with YÖK (Higher Education Council).
Health insurance is mandatory throughout your stay.

Student Residence Permit (İkamet)

Affordable tuition fees
Internationally recognized universities
Modern research facilities
Multicultural learning environment
Opportunity to work part-time (subject to regulations)
Gateway between Europe and Asia
More than 200 universities offering diverse academic programs

Benefits of Studying in Turkey

Turkey has 208 universities, including public and private institutions.
Universities are regulated by the Higher Education Council (YÖK).
Students with a valid residence permit may be eligible to work part-time, subject to Turkish regulations.
Health insurance must remain valid throughout your stay.
Allowing your health insurance to lapse for more than 30 days may affect your residence permit.

Additional Information

Step 1

Receive an official admission letter from a Turkish university.

Step 2

Prepare all required documents.

Step 3

Apply for the Student Entry Visa at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

Step 4

Attend your visa appointment if required.

Step 5

Receive your Student Visa.

Step 6

Travel to Turkey.

Step 7

Apply for your Student Residence Permit within 30 days after arrival.

How to Apply 

International students who:

Have received admission from a Turkish university.
Meet the university's admission requirements.
Hold a valid passport.
Can provide proof of financial support.
Meet the visa requirements set by the Turkish authorities.

Who Can Apply?

Turkey Study Visa 2027 | Complete Student Visa Guide for International Students

Non-EU students planning to study in Italy for more than 90 days need a Type D National Visa (the long-stay student visa). This is different from the short-stay Type C Schengen visa used for stays under 90 days (e.g., short exchange programs or intensive summer courses).

Bachelor's, Master's, and single-cycle degree programs (2026/2027 academic year): 30 November 2026 🔹 2027/2028 academic year: 31 October 2027 🔹 PhD, Erasmus, individual courses, and Master courses: No fixed deadline — apply any time before teaching begins 🔹 Restricted-access/limited-seat programs: Deadline was extended to 30 August 2026 for the current cycle

Key Deadlines for Visa Applications (Not Course Deadlines)

Item	Cost
Visa application (consular) fee	€40–100, depending on course duration
Residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)	€40–100 depending on permit duration
Post office processing fee (Kit Postale)	~€30–40
Revenue stamp (marca da bollo)	€16
Health insurance (SSN voluntary enrollment)	~€700/year, or private insurance with min. €30,000 coverage
Administrative/issuance costs	~€80 (stamp duties, postal kits)
Approx. total visa + permit cost	~€150–320 (excluding insurance and proof-of-funds requirement)

Full Cost Breakdown

Minimum funds required: figures vary by source and update cycle, generally cited between €6,077–€10,180 per year (some recent sources cite €6,947.33/year, others closer to €10,179.85/year) — this is one of the most frequently updated figures, so always confirm the exact current threshold with your specific consulate before applying 🔹 Must be demonstrated via stamped, original bank statements, typically for the last 3–6 months 🔹 Some consulates also request income tax returns (last 2–3 years) to verify the legitimate source of funds

Financial Proof Requirement

Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 working days of arrival — missing this deadline can jeopardize your legal status and future renewals 🔹 Obtain a Codice Fiscale (Italian tax identification number) — required for almost everything, including opening a bank account and signing a lease 🔹 Processing of the physical permit card can take 1–6 months; your post office receipt serves as a temporary legal document during this time 🔹 Students can work part-time up to 20 hours/week during term, and full-time (up to 40 hours/week) during official holidays and semester breaks 🔹 After graduation, students may stay up to 12 months to search for full-time employment

After Arrival

ITALY STUDY VISA — COMPLETE GUIDE

Navigate the complex US student visa application process. Prepare for Form I-20 issuance, SEVIS fee payment, DS-160 submission, and successfully pass your US embassy visa officer interview.

International Study Visa Guides

Visa Guides by Country (6)

US Student Visa Rules 2026

Canadian Study Permit & Student Visa Guide

Australia Student Visa

Turkey Study Visa 2027 | Complete Student Visa Guide for International Students

ITALY STUDY VISA — COMPLETE GUIDE

United States F-1 Student Visa Process