Sep 18, 2026 · 8 min · 7 segments
A federal judge blocks a four-year limit on stays for international students and trainees. Arkansas independent pharmacies sue Express Scripts alleging underpayment. And a not-for-profit Medicare…
A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked a U.S. Department of Homeland Security rule that would have limited how long many international students and researchers could remain in the country before seeking an extension, with potential implications for the health care industry.
The rule was finalized in July and would have changed policies governing F, J, and I non-immigrant visas.
F visas are generally issued to international students, while J visas cover exchange visitors, including physicians in residency and fellowship programs.
Under the rule, F and J visa holders generally would have been admitted for no more than four years.
Those needing additional time would have been required to apply for an extension.
DHS argued the change would strengthen oversight and address fraud, visa overstays, and national security concerns.
On Monday, Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled in favor of a coalition of unions and higher education advocacy groups the day before the rule was set to take effect.
Judge Saylor postponed the rule and temporarily blocked its implementation, finding the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in showing the rule violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
The injunction leaves the existing system in place while the case continues.
When the final rule was announced, it received swift condemnation from educational groups, including those representing medical students.
The Association of American Medical Colleges said in a statement at the time that the policy's fixed-term period of stay without the guarantee of an extension for students undermines the country's ability to attract and retain top international medical and biomedical research talent.
The organization also said in July that these medical residents, trainees and researchers are critical for addressing physician shortages nationwide.
It's estimated that there are nearly 17,000 physicians in the United States on J-1 visas participating in residency and fellowship programs.
A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked a U.S. Department of Homeland Security rule that would have limited how long many international students and researchers could remain in the country before seeking an extension, with potential implications for the health care industry.
The rule was finalized in July and would have changed policies governing F, J, and I non-immigrant visas.
F visas are generally issued to international students, while J visas cover exchange visitors, including physicians in residency and fellowship programs.
Under the rule, F and J visa holders generally would have been admitted for no more than four years.
Those needing additional time would have been required to apply for an extension.
DHS argued the change would strengthen oversight and address fraud, visa overstays, and national security concerns.
On Monday, Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled in favor of a coalition of unions and higher education advocacy groups the day before the rule was set to take effect.
Judge Saylor postponed the rule and temporarily blocked its implementation, finding the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in showing the rule violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
The injunction leaves the existing system in place while the case continues.
When the final rule was announced, it received swift condemnation from educational groups, including those representing medical students.
The Association of American Medical Colleges said in a statement at the time that the policy's fixed-term period of stay without the guarantee of an extension for students undermines the country's ability to attract and retain top international medical and biomedical research talent.
The organization also said in July that these medical residents, trainees and researchers are critical for addressing physician shortages nationwide.
It's estimated that there are nearly 17,000 physicians in the United States on J-1 visas participating in residency and fellowship programs.
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