The United States is changing how long international students can remain in the country under an F-1 student visa.

From 15 September 2026, new US rules will replace the long-standing “Duration of Status” system with a fixed period of authorised stay. Most F-1 students will be admitted for the length of their course, up to a maximum of four years at a time.

This does not necessarily mean every student must leave the US after four years. Students who need additional time to complete a longer degree may be able to apply for an extension. However, the change introduces an extra application process and greater uncertainty for students planning doctoral, medical or combined-degree programs.

For students reconsidering where to study, Australia may offer a different structure—but it is important to understand both the opportunities and the requirements.

What Is Changing in the US?

Previously, many F-1 students were admitted under “Duration of Status”, commonly shown as D/S on their immigration record.

This generally allowed them to remain in the US while maintaining their student status, completing their approved program and participating in any authorised practical training.

Under the new system, students will instead receive a fixed admission period. This will generally reflect the length of their approved program, but will not exceed four years at a time.

Students who require more time may need to submit a formal extension request to the US Department of Homeland Security.

The rule has been finalised, but it does not take effect until 15 September 2026. Until then, F-1 students will continue to be admitted under the existing Duration of Status framework.

Which Students May Be Most Affected?

The change may be particularly relevant to students undertaking:

• doctoral or research programs lasting more than four years
• medical or combined-degree programs
• undergraduate study followed by postgraduate study
• courses that are delayed because of research, placement or academic requirements
• post-study Optional Practical Training, or OPT

OPT has not been abolished. However, students may need to pay closer attention to whether their authorised stay covers their course completion, OPT application and intended employment period.

Current F-1 visa holders may also be affected, although the practical outcome will depend on factors such as their admission date, current status and future international travel.

Students already in the US should obtain advice from a qualified US immigration professional before changing their study or travel plans.

How Is Australia Different?

Australia does not currently use the same four-year fixed-admission model.

A Subclass 500 Student visa is generally granted according to the length of the enrolled course, subject to the applicable maximum visa period and the applicant’s circumstances.

For example, a student completing a two-year master’s degree would generally receive a visa covering that course and an additional period after the course ends. Longer programs may receive a longer visa period where permitted.

Postgraduate research students may also receive additional time for thesis marking. Where further study time is genuinely required, a new Student visa may be possible with appropriate evidence from the education provider.

Australia’s framework is therefore linked more closely to the enrolled course rather than imposing a universal four-year study limit.

However, Australian student visa rules can also change. Applicants should not assume that Australia is automatically an easier or guaranteed alternative.

Australia Still Offers Post-Study Work Options

Eligible Australian graduates may apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, which allows them to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after graduation.

The available stay period depends on the qualification, visa stream, passport and regional-study eligibility.

Common stay periods include:

• up to 18 months for eligible vocational graduates
• two years for many bachelor’s and coursework master’s graduates
• three years for eligible research master’s and doctoral graduates
• up to five years for eligible Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders

Some graduates who studied and lived in an eligible regional area may also qualify for a second Temporary Graduate visa.

A 485 visa is not permanent residence, but it may provide graduates with additional time to gain skilled employment, improve their migration profile or explore employer-sponsored and points-tested pathways.

Can Studying in Australia Lead to PR?

Australian study may support a longer-term migration strategy, but completing a degree does not guarantee permanent residence.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, Australian study may help through:

• points awarded for eligible Australian study
• additional points for eligible regional study
• time to complete a skills assessment
• opportunities to gain relevant Australian work experience
• employer-sponsored visa pathways
• state or territory nomination opportunities

Applicants must still meet the separate requirements of their intended migration pathway. These may include occupation eligibility, age, English ability, work experience, skills assessment, points and an invitation or employer nomination.

Course selection should therefore be based on more than university ranking or personal interest alone. Students who have a long-term Australian migration goal should consider the relationship between their course, occupation and potential visa options before enrolling.

Key Requirements for an Australian Student Visa

A Subclass 500 Student visa applicant will generally need to:

• hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider
• satisfy the Genuine Student requirement
• demonstrate sufficient financial capacity where required
• hold appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover
• meet the relevant English language requirements
• satisfy health and character requirements

The Genuine Student requirement applies to Student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.

Applicants must answer specific GS questions in the online application form and support their answers with relevant evidence. The assessment considers the applicant’s background, reasons for choosing the course and provider, previous study, employment history and how the course supports their future plans.

Having a possible long-term interest in Australian permanent residence does not automatically prevent an applicant from meeting the GS requirement. However, the primary purpose of the Student visa application must remain genuine study.

What Should Students Do Next?

Students comparing the US and Australia should consider more than the initial visa duration.

Important questions include:

• Does the visa cover the full expected course period?
• What happens if the course takes longer than planned?
• Is post-study work available after graduation?
• Does the chosen course connect with realistic employment opportunities?
• Could the qualification support a skilled or employer-sponsored pathway?
• Are the total tuition, living and visa costs affordable?
• How likely are the relevant rules to change during the study period?

For some students, Australia’s course-linked visa structure and post-study work options may offer greater flexibility.

For others, the US may remain the better academic or professional choice despite the new fixed-admission framework.

The right decision depends on the student’s course, career plans, financial position and long-term goals.

General information only. Immigration and visa rules may change, and individual eligibility depends on personal circumstances. Students should obtain professional advice before making study, travel or visa decisions.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

Stay Informed on Australian Immigration Law

• YouTube: Johnny Kong | Migration Lawyer
• Instagram: @johnny_migrationlawyer
• Facebook: Riverwood Migration
• TikTok: @johnny_migrationlawyer
• Linktree: linktr.ee/johnny_lawyer