We are a Google 5-star small business-rated, full-service, low-cost Texas firm that uses advanced online tools to counsel students and families about all things college, including graduate school. Our webinars have won praise for their innovation. Our outcome-based college selection methods are unique and structured SOP/essay reviews help you stand apart. Join hundreds of satisfied clients who have won admission to the most elite U.S. institutions.
We have been helping international students pursue education in the United States since 2012. Hundreds of our clients have gained admission to the most prestigious schools, including Harvard, MIT, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, Duke, Dartmouth, and Columbia. Among the public Ivies, our students have attended elite institutions such as UT Austin, Michigan, UNC Chapel Hill, and Georgia Tech.
Our founder, Rajkamal Rao, has written numerous newspaper columns about higher education and H-1B matters in the United States and is considered an expert in this field. He recently appeared on Worldly Wise, a podcast from The Federal, to discuss systemic issues, due process concerns, and the long-term implications for US higher education and Indian students’ aspirations.
Recent Changes (Aug 2026)
The Department of Homeland Security announced that many students and companies using the OPT program were doing so on a fraudulent basis. Listen to the full video.
On July 16, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security issued new rules for F‑1 visas and J‑1 visas that will take effect on September 15, 2026. The regulation creates a fixed period of admission for nonimmigrant visa holders in the F, J, and I categories. This replaces the long‑standing Duration of Status system.
In simple terms, this means that if a student enrolls in a master’s program that normally takes 21 months to complete, the visa will also be issued for 21 months. After finishing the program, students will receive a shortened 30‑day grace period to transition to the Optional Training Program or to a work visa such as the H‑1B.
Under the previous Duration of Status (D/S) rules, students could extend their graduation timeline by several months, sometimes even a year, often by citing incomplete thesis work or other academic requirements. This flexibility existed because D/S allowed students to determine how long they needed to finish their program. Their visa remained valid as long as the university approved their continued enrollment.
“For nearly half a century, the outdated 'duration of status' system
has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for
immigration fraud,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “For
decades, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S.
indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by
perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave the U.S. By
implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is
reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals
within our borders. This final rule ensures that foreign students remain
focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and
returning home.”
Under the new system, students must apply to the government for an extension if they need more time, and this process includes a biometric appointment.
An even-more significant change is that students can no longer switch to a different master’s program or begin a second master’s degree or apply to a Ph.D simply to prolong their stay in the United States. They would have to return to their home countries and re-apply for a new student visa.
A Note About Rao Advisors Premium Services
Our promise is to empower you with high-quality, ethical, and free advice via this website. But parents and students often ask us if they can engage with us for individual counseling sessions.
Individual counseling is part of the Premium Offering of Rao Advisors. Please contact us for more information.
