Student visas

Harvard Magazine - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued new nationwide rules limiting the length of visas issued to foreign students and visiting scholars from abroad. Prior rules stated that such visas would be valid for the “duration of study,” while the new rules require an application for an “extension of study” after four years. Most Ph.D. degrees entail at least five to six years of study. The new rules, subject to congressional review, are slated to take effect in September. President Alan M. Garber noted that the visa restrictions make it “less and less attractive for international students to come to the United States,” which is already competing for top candidates with nations including China.