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Office of International Programs

Important Immigration Update

Ending Duration of Status

On July 17, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that ends the use of “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 visa holders and replaces it with a fixed period of admission. The Department of Homeland Security Study in the States website also provides quick facts of the new rule. This change will be effective as of September 15, 2026.

The below Frequently Asked Questions is based on what is currently available. The Office of International Programs (OIP) will continue to update this webpage as more guidance is released from the Department of Homeland Security.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What has changed?
    Effective September 15, 2026, DHS will end “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F-1 students and J-1 students and scholars. Instead of being admitted for as long as you can maintain your status, you will now only be admitted until a fixed date listed on your I-94 admission record from the U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CBP) website when you enter the United States. This period of admission cannot exceed a maximum of 4 years. If your program is longer than 4 years, you will be required to either file an Extension of Stay (Form I-539) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to cover the remainder of your program or depart and re-enter the US with a new I-94 record.

    In addition, F-1 students currently have 60-day grace period after program of study, Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT. The new rule reduces the 60-day grace period to 30 days for students entering the U.S. after September 15, 2026.

  • How does this affect me?
    All F-1 and J-1 students and scholars must:

    1. Check your I-94 expiration date every time you re-enter the United States. Your I-94 record controls your authorized period of stay.
    2. As of September 15, 2026, if you travel and enter the U.S. and you need more time in the US than your I-94 allows, you will need to file an extension of stay with USCIS. You may need to file an extension of stay if you will stay in the US past your I-94 end date in order to:
      1. Complete your academic program
      2. Change education levels (e.g., bachelor's → master's)
      3. Transfer to another school
      4. Participate in OPT or STEM OPT
      5. Complete Academic Training (for J-1 exchange visitors)
      6. Continue your J-1 scholar activities (teaching, research, internship, as applicable)
    3. If your I-94 date already covers the full length of your studies or practical training such as OPT or STEM OPT, you may not need an extension.
    4. It is possible you may have to file multiple extensions of stay applications during the course of your stay in the U.S. to complete your study, work on Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT.


    OIP will support you in determining when an extension is required. Please note that you may first need to request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 from OIP prior to filing an extension of stay with USCIS.

  • Will this new rule impact my ability to complete my program of study in the U.S.?
    No. You can still complete your program in the US. Please note that the US government has tightened the rules for extensions. Delays caused by academic probation, suspension, or a student's repeated inability to complete coursework are no longer acceptable reasons for a program extension.

    If your I-94 expires before you finish your program, you must either file an extension with USCIS before your I-94 expires or depart and re-enter the US in order to complete your program.

    OIP is in the process of planning webinars and in person workshops to help explain the timeline of filing and requirements. We can also help you determine whether an extension is needed.

  • I am already in the US under the F or J status. Does this new rule apply to me?
    Yes, but not right away. The U.S. government has provided transition rules.

    If you are not traveling outside of the U.S.: You can remain in the US under the current "Duration of Status" (D/S) rule for now. You will not need to apply for an extension as long as you:

    1. Complete your program by the end date on your current I-20 or DS-2019
    2. Apply for your initial post-completion OPT before the transition period ends (on March 18, 2027). If you qualify for STEM OPT, you will need to apply for an extension of stay for the STEM OPT. However, you will still have 60 day Grace Period.

    It is very important to note that if you are currently in the US, but then depart and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026, you will immediately switch to the new rules. You will be given a specific expiration date on your I-94 record, and your post-graduation grace period will drop from 60 to 30 days if you are an F-1 student. The grace period for J-1 students and scholars remains 30 days both before and after this rule change.

  • I am currently traveling and will be re-entering the US soon. How does this affect me?
    1. If you re-enter the U.S. before September 15, 2026, your I-94 record should still reflect Duration of Status. Please retrieve your I-94 record immediately after arrival. You will need to follow the transition rules.
    2. If you re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, please retrieve your I-94 record immediately after arrival. Your I-94 record will have a specific “Admitted Until Date” which is how long you can remain in the U.S.
      1. Your I-94 end date may be tied to:
        1. the program end date on your Form I-20
        2. End date on your Post-Completion OPT EAD or STEM OPT EAD
        3. The program end date on your DS-2019 but the admitted period will not exceed the maximum 4-year period allowed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
      2. If you will need more time in the US than your I-94 allows, you will need to either file a USCIS extension of stay (Form I-539) before that date or depart and re-enter the US. Please note that you will first need to request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 from OIP prior to filing an extension with USCIS.

  • As an F-1 student, what if I change my major or program?
    • Undergraduate Students must complete one full academic year at their current school before they are permitted to change their major unless the US government authorizes an exception.
    • Graduate Students (master's and PhD) are prohibited from changing educational objective, unless the US government (SEVP) grants an exception for extenuating circumstances.
    • After completing a program, students cannot begin a new program at the same or lower educational level (for example: completing a master’s degree and then beginning a second master’s degree).

  • As an F-1 student, can I transfer to another school during my studies?
    • Undergraduate Students must complete one full academic year at their current school before they are permitted to transfer to another school unless the US government authorizes an exception.
    • Graduate Students (master's and PhD) are prohibited from transferring to another school, unless the US government (SEVP) authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.

  • What happens if I have a current pending Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT Application? Do I have to file an extension of stay application?
    If you timely filed a Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT application before March 18, 2027, you do not need to file an exchange of stay application. As of March 18, 2027, all students filing for post-completion or STEM OPT must file an I-765 (OPT application) with an I-539 (extension of stay) when applying for Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT.

  • How do I apply for an extension of stay?
    You can apply for an extension of stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by
      • Receive updated recommendation I-20 from the OIP Advisor for EOS
      • Timely completing and filing the Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” along with all required documentation.
      • Paying the required fee $420 (online filing) or $470 (filing by mail)
      • Providing required biometrics.
    Students must ensure that USCIS receives their Form I-539 before their authorized period of admission expires.

OIP is currently collecting information and putting together workshops to help you better understand the filing process and timeline. We will share updates as soon as we have them.

  • Do my F-2 dependent or J-2 dependent need to file an extension of stay if I need to file one?
    Yes. F-2 or J-2 dependents can either be included on the primary F-1 or J-1 extension of stay (EOS) application or file their own EOS application.