Since 1991, F and J students have been admitted to the U.S. for a period known as ‘duration of status’ or ‘D/S’ as indicated on the “admit until date” field of the I-94 arrival/departure record.  When granted D/S, students and scholars were permitted to remain in the U.S. for the period of time it took to complete their program of study or research provided they maintained their status. Under the D/S framework, F and J visa holders’ stays were governed by the program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019, or for F-1 students on OPT or STEM OPT, by the end date of their Employment Authorization document.  

There are two primary parts to the new rule. First, the rule removes ‘duration of status,’ and requires F and J visa holders to abide by a fixed end date for their stay in the U.S. (or “Admit Until Date” or “AUD”). The maximum period of initial stay is four years or the length of the I-20 or DS-2019, whichever is shorter. Any extension of stay will require USCIS approval.   

For F-1 students, the rule also imposes a number of new restrictions on changes in “educational objective”, impacting transfer eligibility and degree choice and flexibility, with different rules for undergraduate students and graduate students.  

Here is a brief overview of what will change when the rule becomes effective:

• Date-specific I-94s: Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Records will specify fixed entry and end dates that align with the academic program length or four years, whichever is shorter. Students in our Intensive English Program will be limited to a 24 month admission period. 
• Extension of Stay (EOS) applications will be required for extra time: Anyone needing to extend their legal stay in the U.S. (including applicants for OPT and STEM OPT) must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additional fees (as determined by USCIS) will apply.
• Shorter grace period for F-1 students: For those that enter the U.S. after the effective date of the rule, the grace period will be shortened from 60 to 30 days following the completion of an academic program or OPT.  The grace period for J-1 students and scholars will remain at 30 days.

• Limitations on changes to educational objectives:  Educational objective refers to a student’s academic level, degree program and/or major.  F-1 undergraduate students will not be allowed to change their “educational objective” during their first year of study. F-1 graduate students will not be allowed to change their “educational objective” at any point during their degree program.
• Limitations on transfers: F-1 undergraduate students will not be allowed to transfer their SEVIS record to another institution during their first year. F-1 graduate students will not be allowed to transfer their SEVIS record to another institution at any point during their current degree program. It may be possible to transfer in order to begin a PhD after completing the masters degree.

The effective date of the new rule is September 15, 2026. Litigation and SEVIS software changes may delay implementation beyond that date.  OIS will keep you apprised of any updates on our Immigration Updates page and/or via email.

Also relevant to timing is the transition period which particularly impacts students applying for OPT or STEM OPT for six months following the effective date, or until March 18, 2027. The rules for this transition are complex and are discussed in more detail under the section OPT/STEM OPT. 

• Review your progress towards completing your degree with your advisor or Director of Graduate Program (DGP).  If an extension of your I-20 or DS-2019 is necessary to complete your degree, you can submit a program extension request in GlobalHome.  To ensure time for processing before the effective date, please submit before September 1, 2026.  J-1 scholars should consult with their departments regarding extensions within your period of maximum stay.

• Avoid making changes to your program without consulting OIS and your academic advisor or DGP. OIS will provide updates via Information Sessions, this web page and advising appointments. During this period before the effective date of the rule, you will have time to make any necessary changes, and it is important for you to make informed decisions.

• Review your passport expiration date. If your passport will expire before the end date of your I-20 or DS-2019, work with your government’s embassy or passport office to seek a renewal or extension. I-94 ‘admit until dates’ often match the passport expiration date even if the I-20 or DS-2019 program end date is in the future, and even if you previously had a longer date-certain I-94. 

• Get in the habit of checking your I-94 after travel. The I-94 is your primary evidence of status in the U.S. Those who entered in F-1 and J-1 status (and their F-2 or J-2 dependents) can print this evidence of status from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 Website. Under current regulations, you should see “D/S” under the “Admit Until Date”, which stands for Duration of Status. If you re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, you will see a specific date listed on that “admit until date”. Learn more about the “Admit Until Date” (AUD).     

• Watch your email for updates and opportunities to learn more about how the rule will affect you.