New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- Harvard University's International Office is advising F-1 and J-1 international students and J-1 scholars enrolled in on-campus programs this fall to consider being in the United States before a new Department of Homeland Security rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.

The guidance comes amid uncertainty over how the new rule will affect students who travel outside the US after the effective date, as well as ongoing legal challenges seeking to block the changes.

Harvard's International Office said students and scholars who are already in the US when the rule takes effect will be treated differently from those who leave and subsequently return.

Those who are in the country on September 15 will generally be allowe...