WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has finalized a rule that will prevent international students from staying in the U.S. for more than four years unless they obtain the federal government’s approval, the Department of Homeland Security said Thursday, announcing a departure from long-standing practice. The rule, which goes into effect in September, also puts in place restrictions on when and how students may change their major or academic program. Current rules give students significantly more flexibility. They are generally admitted to the U.S. for as long as it takes to complete the academic program, many of which are longer than four years by design. Higher education leaders have opposed the rule, arguing the change creates an administrative burden for schools, universities and the federal government. “This action is unnecessary and duplicative,” said Zuzana Wootson, deputy director of federal policy at the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a nonprofit organization. “International students are already among the most closely monitored nonimmigrant p
