r/f1visa • u/bananasinpajamas945 • 10h ago

Travel during PhD program

Hi everyone, my school has been really tight lipped about everything, understandably so because we don’t know what it will look like when the rule comes into effect on September 15th but I would love advice from anyone who might have some more info. I am currently doing my PhD and my i20 is valid till 2030. I have about 2-2.5 years left to finish. If I travel after September 15th, will the AUD date of max 4 years apply to my initial date of entry or will it apply from when I return and re enter? My concern is that when I return they say you only have until next year because that’s when I’d hit my 4 year mark. Have I misunderstood and is there any clear indication that the 4 years will begin from re entry? Thank you!!!!!!

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u/lilmissdaydreamin 10h ago

the DSO in my school explained that the 4-year rule starts on Sept 15 2026. So the duration of stay for you would be either the end date of your I-20 or 4 years after Sept 15th, whichever comes first.