r/OSU • u/SouthNo2807 • 8h ago
News A Brief Summary of New Restrictions on International Students
I’m an international student myself, but this is a strictly factual list with no personal grievance involved. I’m simply describing the practical consequences of these changes.
Change 1: End of Duration of Status (D/S)
For any program lasting more than four years, students would have to apply for an extension through a new and uncertain process in their fourth year.
- If changing majors or failing courses pushes graduation beyond four years, extensions may not be allowed. Unless exceptional circumstances apply, the student would have to leave the U.S. without a degree.
- Even errors on otherwise valid extension applications could result in loss of legal status rather than an opportunity to correct them.
- Students progressing from high school to college to graduate school would repeatedly face this uncertain extension process. After finally adapting to life and culture in one country, many may be forced to choose to study elsewhere.
Change 2: Employment Uncertainty
Internships before graduation would be largely prohibited. Post-graduation employment may still be approved, but several potential $100,000 fees create further uncertainty.
- PhD students often intern during the summer, giving them both industry and academic career options after graduation rather than making academia their only path.
- Without access to U.S. internships during their studies. With U.S. summer schedules poorly aligned with internship cycles in many home countries, many students could graduate with no internship experience at all.
I’m Chinese, so I mainly know the situation of Chinese international students. Outside PhD programs, many come from relatively wealthy families, earn a degree, and return home to work. At first glance, internship restrictions may therefore seem irrelevant. But uncertainty over failed courses, changing majors, and maintaining legal status alone could drive away a significant number of students. I have always understood that international students come to study, not to immigrate, and certainly shouldn't take jobs away from Americans. However, current restrictions have created significant obstacles to the goal of studying itself.
Based on my spending, I'm spending $300 a day (most are tuition + rent), and I believe that I am having a positive economic impact. For the 4 years, I have contributed around 270k purely in tuition. And yes, since I changed my major and delayed my graduation for 1 semester, if these restrictions were imposed when I first came here, I would be forced to leave. I don't see any point in discouraging people who just want a degree.
Ohio State’s incoming international enrollment fell by 37% last year. This year’s figures have not yet been released. They usually come out in late September and could fall even further.
