US bars F-1 students from switching courses in first year: What international students need to know

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new rule preventing international students on F-1 visas from changing their courses, majors, or education levels during their first academic year. The rule also limits students from re-entering at the same or lower education levels after completing a programme. Other changes include fixed periods of stay, shorter grace periods, and increased visa scrutiny. The proposed regulation could increase paperwork, costs, and the risk of overstaying penalties.