Washington, July 16 -- The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially announced the final rule to eliminate the "duration of status" framework for F, J, and I nonimmigrant visa holders.

The Department, in an official statement on Thursday, stated that this move will "officially eliminate the 'duration of status' loophole that allowed foreign students, exchange visitors, and media representatives to remain in the United States indefinitely without routine government oversight".

Under the new regulation, these individuals will no longer be permitted to remain in the US indefinitely as long as they maintain their status; instead, they will be granted fixed periods of admission.

For F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, the ...