The United States has implemented new F-1 visa regulations, posing significant challenges for international students. These changes restrict the amount students can spend outside the country while maintaining their visa status.

Under the new rule, students are limited to a maximum of five consecutive months outside the US during their academic programs. This restriction could have a major impact on study abroad plans, internships, and even regular academic breaks.

These new regulations have raised concerns among students, particularly those enrolled in programs that encourage or require international mobility. Global education programs, internships abroad, and extended research projects outside the US may become difficult to pursue without jeopardizing their visa status.

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who want to study in the United States. Traditionally, F-1 visa holders could travel outside the US for various reasons, such as holidays, study abroad programs, or international internships, as long as they didn't exceed a certain time limit.

However, new regulations have changed this. Now, students are limited to five consecutive months outside the US during their academic program. This presents a significant challenge for students enrolled in programs that rely on international experience, such as study abroad semesters, internships, or exchange programs. 

Universities with global education frameworks will need to adjust their programs to comply with these new regulations. Additionally, students will need to obtain a new Form I-20, which adds complexity and cost to extended study opportunities. 

These new visa regulations will force students to carefully plan their academic and professional activities to avoid exceeding the **five-month limit** outside the US. 

For students enrolled in global programs, this could mean sacrificing valuable international learning experiences or opting for shorter, more frequent trips abroad. 

For students already studying in the US, these changes could disrupt carefully planned programs, especially for those who were expecting to complete internships or research projects in other countries. For example, STEM students may miss out on critical international research opportunities or specialized training that is only available abroad.

US universities will face the immediate challenge of adapting their global programs to comply with these new visa requirements. Many institutions are already re-evaluating how to structure programs that involve international components. This could mean shifting towards shorter study abroad experiences or offering more virtual alternatives for students to engage with international cultures and work environments without leaving the US.

Additionally, universities may see a decline in international student applications if these restrictions limit the global opportunities students seek in a US-based education. Institutions will need to weigh the costs of redesigning their programs against the risk of losing students to universities in countries with less restrictive visa policies.