Maintaining Your Status
Duration of Status
Duration of Status DHS Final Rule: Changes to F-1 and J-1 Status
Updated July 28, 2026
Important Notice
Overview
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule titled "Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media." The rule takes effect on September 15, 2026, subject to congressional review.
This rule is one of the most significant changes to international student and exchange visitor immigration policy in decades. It ends the long-standing "Duration of Status" (D/S) framework and replaces it with fixed admission periods and changes the rules for student academic progression.
What You Should Do Now
For Students and Scholars:
- No immediate action is required before September 15, 2026. Please see transition provisions section of this page.
- Continue following current immigration regulations and all OIS guidance.
- Maintain compliance with enrollment, employment authorization, travel, and reporting requirements.
- Do not submit new immigration applications based solely on this announcement.
- If you plan to travel on or after September 15, 2026, please make use of advising hours to discuss with our advising team.
- Watch your USF email for updates — OIS will send direct communications as guidance develops. It is critically important that you check your USF email account and open and read messages from OIS as we are experiencing a major change in immigration policy at this time.
For Campus Partners and Administrators:
- Direct students and scholars to speak with OIS during daily Virtual Drop In and Walk In hours to ask questions about the final rule.
- Watch for forthcoming OIS resources and plan to attend an OIS webinar to learn more about how the rule will affect student advising, recruitment, and employment.
Summary of Key Changes
The table below summarizes the most important changes introduced by this rule.
| What Changed | New Requirement |
|---|---|
| Admission period | Fixed — up to 4 years (tied to program end date on I-20/DS-2019) |
| I-94 record | Shows a specific expiration date (no longer reads "D/S") |
| Extensions beyond 4 years | Must file Form I-539 with USCIS; biometrics required |
| Post-completion grace period | Reduced from 60 days to 30 days |
| Undergraduate Academic Changes | School transfers and major changes prohibited during first academic year |
| Graduate Academic changes | May not change major/program or transfer schools |
| Effective date | September 15, 2026 (subject to congressional review) |
Important Terms
Duration of Status (D/S)
Under the current admission system, D/S allowed F-1 and J-1 students and scholars
remain in the U.S. if they continued to maintain their immigration status. For new
admissions on or after September 15, 2026, D/S will be replaced by a fixed period of admission.
Admit Until Date (AUD)
The date on your Form I-94 showing when your authorized period of admission expires.
Extension of Stay (EOS)
A request submitted to USCIS to obtain an additional period of authorized stay past
the admit until date.
Educational Objective
DHS is using this term to mean major or educational levels.
Who Is Affected
This rule directly affects:
- F-1 academic students (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral)
- J-1 exchange visitors (students, researchers, professors, and other exchange program participants)
- Dependents (F-2 and J-2 visa holders) of those in the above categories
What Is Changing — and Why It Matters
The Old System: Duration of Status (D/S)
Under the previous framework, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted
for the "duration of their status" (D/S) — meaning they could remain in the U.S.
as long as they maintained the terms of their visa (enrolled in school, participating
in their exchange program, etc.). There was no specific end date stamped on their
I-94 record.
The New System: Fixed Admission Periods
Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 visa holders will receive a fixed period of admission — tied to the
program end date on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years. Their
I-94 will show a specific expiration date instead of D/S. This date is now called
the Admit Until Date (AUD).
Students and scholars who need to remain in the U.S. beyond their Admit Until Date (AUD) must file a formal Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS.
The New System: Student Academic Progression
Beginning, September 15, 20026, F-1 and J-1 visa holders will have new rules related to change of majors, changing
levels at USF, and transfer of status to another US institution.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students will be prohibited from transferring to another school or changing their major during their first academic year at USF.
Undergraduate students may change to a higher level of study at USF after completing the bachelor’s degree with an application for extension of stay filed with USCIS.
Graduate Students
Graduate students will be prohibited from changing their major and transferring to another school.
Graduate students may change to a higher level of study at USF after completing their master’s degree with an application for extension of stay filed with USCIS. They cannot change to a lower level or obtain a second master’s degree.
Extension of Stay (EOS): What We Know So Far
Students and scholars who need to remain beyond their AUD (admit until date) will need to complete E-Forms with OIS and obtain an updated I-20 or DS-2019. This document will be used to file a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with USCIS or to travel with valid visa stamp outside the US.
Key points about the EOS process:
- Applicants must submit Form I-539 along with biometrics and updated I-20 or DS-2019 documentation.
- Applicants must demonstrate continued academic or program progress.
- USCIS processing times for I-539 applications can be lengthy — plan well in advance of the AUD (admit until date) or I-94 expiration.
Transition Provisions
The final rule contains transition rules that allow current F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants admitted for D/S to remain in the U.S. in that status until a specified time.
If you are an F-1 or J-1 student or scholar with an I-94 showing admission to the U.S. for Duration of Status (D/S), who has maintained status, AND is in the U.S. on September 15, 2026, these provisions may apply to you. If they do:
You will not automatically receive a new date-specific I-94 on September 15, 2026 and you will not have to immediately apply for a date-certain I-94.
You will be subject to the new academic restrictions on program changes.
After September 15, 2026, you would need to apply for an extension of stay to remain in status beyond the end date on your current Form I-20 or DS-2019 or OPT EAD card.
You remain under the transition provision if you never leave the U.S. after September 15, 2026 with a four year limit as follows:
- November 14, 2030 for F-1 students (four years plus the 60-day grace period); or
- October 15, 2030 for J-1 exchange visitors (four years plus the 30-day grace period).
F-1 students in this transition group will retain their legacy 60-day grace period even after September 15, 2026. If they exit and reenter the U.S. or apply for an extension of stay on or after the effective date, they will be assigned a 30-day grace period under the new rule.
COMING SOON
What Still Requires Clarification
Because this rule is extensive, several provisions require additional guidance from the relevant federal agencies before full implementation guidance can be issued. OIS is actively monitoring communications from DHS, Department of State, USCIS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
As these agencies issue guidance and as the higher education community continues to analyze the rule, our interpretation of certain provisions may evolve. We will update this page accordingly.
Stay Informed
OIS is committed to keeping the USF international community informed throughout this transition. Here is how to stay up to date:
- Check this page regularly for updates as new guidance becomes available.
- Watch for email communications from OIS with important announcements.
- Look for upcoming online resources and webinars that will guide students and scholars through the new requirements before the effective date.