Student visas: overview, tools, and latest updates

Overview

Academic, vocational, and exchange programs

Student visas allow full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions. The F-1 covers academic programs, M-1 vocational training, and J-1 exchange visitors. OPT and STEM OPT give F-1 graduates practical work experience after graduation.

The F-1 is the most common student visa. It is tied to your Designated School Official (DSO) and your SEVIS record. On-campus work is generally allowed; off-campus work requires USCIS authorization (OPT or CPT).

After graduation, F-1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by an additional 24 months if their employer participates in E-Verify.

The J-1 covers a broad range of exchange programs: researchers, trainees, au pairs, camp counselors, and professors. Your program sponsor issues the DS-2019 and oversees compliance.

Activity · daily, last 90 days

2 indexed updates

May 5, 2026 → Aug 2, 2026 · 90 days

Policy climate · last 90 days

Tone of coverage

100% neutral

Based on 2 indexed updates in the last 90 days

Visa types in this category

F-1Academic programs at accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, and language schools.OPT / STEM OPTPost-completion practical training for F-1 students, up to 36 months for qualifying STEM degrees.J-1Exchange visitor program for students, researchers, professors, trainees, and au pairs.M-1Vocational and non-academic programs at community colleges and trade schools.

High-signal items · last 90 days

What to watch

Ranked by impact: rule changes, fee updates, open comment periods, executive actions, and processing shifts. Not just newest: most consequential.

Published Fed. Register
Open for commentsProposed rule
Exchange Visitor Program-Termination of Program Participation, Extension of Program and Reinstatement to Valid Program Status
The Department of State is proposing changes to rules governing the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, which allows foreign nationals to participate in educational and cultural exchanges in the U.S. The update addresses procedures for program termination, extension, and reinstatement…
Published Fed. Register
Open for comments
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status
The State Department is updating the Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-7002) used for J-1 exchange visitor status. The department is seeking public comments on this form, which is required for students, scholars, and other exchange visitors coming to the United States.…
Public comments accepted through .
Published DHS
Final rule
Trump Administration Issues Final Rule to End Foreign Student Visa Abuse
The Trump administration has issued a final rule targeting foreign student visa abuse. Details on the specific restrictions or compliance requirements are limited, but the rule appears designed to tighten oversight of F-1 and other student visa programs to prevent misuse.

All updates · newest first

Full update feed

Every update from this category in chronological order, excluding items already shown above.

USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant StatusUSCISPos

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