US Regulatory Agenda 2026 Brings New OPT and H-1B Reform Plans
Table of Content
Key Highlights
- The US regulatory agenda for 2026 proposes replacing the current “Duration of Status” (D/S) system with a fixed period of stay for international students.
- Students may need to apply for an extension if their studies continue beyond the approved stay.
- The proposal also includes changes to the OPT program.
- Reforms to the H-1B visa program are expected to strengthen oversight and modify eligibility requirements.
- The changes are currently part of the government’s regulatory agenda and are yet to be implemented in February 2027.
- If approved, the proposals could impact how international students study, work, and transition to employment in the US.
The US government has outlined a series of proposed immigration reforms in its 2026 regulatory agenda that could significantly affect international students and skilled foreign workers. The proposed changes focus on replacing the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) system, revising the Optical Practical Training (OPT) programme, and introducing further reforms for the H-1B visa process. While these proposals are not final yet, they indicate the direction of future US immigration policy.
Proposed Changes to Student Visas and OPT
Currently, most F-1 students are admitted to the US under Duration of Status (D/S) system, allowing them to remain in the country for as long as they continue their academic programme and comply with visa requirements. Under the proposed rule, students would instead receive a fixed period of admission and may need to request an extension if their studies continue beyond that timeframe. The proposal also suggests reducing the post-study grace period from 60 to 30 days.
The regulatory agenda also signals planned reforms to the Optical Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows eligible international students to gain work experience in the US after graduation. Although the government has not released complete details, the proposal is expected to introduce new eligibility rules, compliance measures, and oversight for the programme.
For many international students, OPT serves as an important pathway to professional experience and often acts as a bridge to longer-term employment through the H-1B visa programme. Any change to OPT could therefore influence post-study career planning in the US.
“The proposed rule will better align practical training to the goals and objectives of the program while providing more clarity to the public. The proposed rule will amend existing regulations to address fraud and national security concerns, protect US workers from being displaced by foreign nationals, and enhance the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s capacity to oversee the program.”
-DHS
H-1B Reforms May Reshape Employment Pathways
Alongside student visa proposals, the US government has also announced plans to continue reforms to the H-1B visa programme. The agenda indicates that upcoming rules will focus on improving programme integrity, updating eligibility requirements, and strengthening oversight of employers using the visa category.
Although the final regulations have not yet been published, education experts believe these proposals could affect how international graduates transition from student visas to skilled employment in the US. Universities, employers, and prospective students are expected to monitor the developments closely before making long-term decisions.
For now, students should remember that these measures remain proposed reforms and have not yet taken effect. Those planning to study or work in the US should continue following official updates from the US Department of Homeland Security and their educational institutions as the rulemaking process moves forward.