ACSA Responds to Proposed Student Visa Changes

Today, ACSA sent a formal letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), commenting on proposed changes regarding student visas that, if adopted, will directly and negatively affect Bachelor of Architecture and other programs with international students. The policy was announced on August 28, with a comment period extending until September 29. ACSA also encouraged our members to provide comments individually or on behalf of their schools, departments, or institutions, as appropriate.

The proposed rule would replace “Duration of Status” admissions with four-year fixed end dates for all student visas, among other changes. The accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree is a five-year curriculum. If adopted, the rule would prevent international students from completing the degree without applying for an extension in Year 3. Master of Architecture programs integrated with undergraduate education will also be affected.

Read more about the proposed changes in an explanatory document published by NAFSA.

In the letter, ACSA notes that a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)–accredited Bachelor of Architecture program is the only undergraduate First Professional Degree, recognized for 80 years. A NAAB-accredited degree meets the education requirement for registration in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions.

Data and Further Background
The proposed change will have multiple impacts. ACSA provided the heads of U.S. member programs the following data to consider incorporating in their comments to DHS.

ACSA estimates that, in total, more than 6,000 international students will be negatively affected by the proposed rule change.

• B.Arch Programs. In 2024, NAAB reported 1,822 international enrolled students in the 56 accredited B.Arch programs, 9% of the 19,291 total students.

• Doctoral Programs that exceed four years will be affected. In 2023, 39% of architecture doctoral program graduates were international students.

• Master’s Programs. International students who start in integrated 5-year, in 4+1, or in 4+2 master’s programs would have to reapply for a visa to complete the full path.

  • Of the 14,267 students enrolled in NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture programs, 2,353 were international students (16%). This does not include students enrolled in a four-year preprofessional program leading to a master’s degree.

  • Approximately 134 institutions grant master’s degrees in architecture (NAAB-accredited or non-accredited). In 2023, those institutions conferred 5,180 architecture degrees. Of those graduates, 1,833 (35%) were international students.

• Other programs. International students seeking two graduate degrees or enrolling in a dual-degree program may be affected either by limitations in “duration of stay” or through additional administrative steps.

Optional Practical Training (OPT). The proposed change will alter OPT for international students, who would have to apply for an Extension of Stay in order to continue OPT after a four-year degree. Students in STEM-designated degree programs are eligible for additional OPT.

• For context, 120 institutions offer architecture degrees with STEM CIP codes (NAAB-accredited or non-accredited programs). In 2023, those programs conferred 8,022 architecture degrees. Of those, 2,245 graduates (28%) were international students.