Duration of Status Rule Changes

Changes to Duration of Status and related rules for F-1 and J-1 Status Holders


On July 17, 2026, DHS published important rule changes that will affect all F-1 and J-1 students. The new rules will take effect on September 15, 2026 (60 days from the publication date). It is important that you understand the new rules and how they will apply to your immigration status here in the United States.

  • The new rule replaces the “duration of status” admission policy with a fixed end date. The end date will be the program end date from the I-20 or DS-2019 (up to 4 years maximum). Students who are unable to complete program requirements before the fixed end date will be required to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS.
  • The new rule shortens the F-1 grace period from 60 to 30 days.
  • English Language Training will be capped at 24 months.
  • F-1 Undergraduate students will not be allowed to change majors or to transfer to another school during the first academic year.
  • F-1 Graduate students will not be allowed to change majors or transfer to another school at all.
  • F-1 students will not be allowed to pursue another academic program at the same or a lower level.

For students or scholars who were admitted into the United States under the previous Duration of Status rule, there will be a transition period to the new rules.

  • Students will be authorized to remain in the United States in F-1 or J-1 status until the end date on their OPT EAD card or the program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019 (up to 4 years from the effective date) plus 60 days for F-1 students or 30 days for J-1 Exchange Visitors. If additional time is required to apply for STEM OPT or to complete the program, the extension of stay application must be filed with USCIS.
  • Students admitted under the previous D/S rule who travel and re-enter the United States after the effective date of the changes will be subject to the new rules upon return.
  • Programs of study completed before the effective date of the new rule will not be subject to the limits on enrolling in programs at the same or a lower level.

ISSS will also continue to host our weekly Express Advising sessions where students can have access to immigration advising staff without waiting for an appointment. We also continue to offer our normal one-on-one advising sessions by appointment.

The rule changes are significant, and we understand that students will have many questions.

ISSS remains committed to supporting our international students and scholars throughout this transition. We will continue to monitor developments, provide timely updates, and offer guidance as additional information becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

When an international student or scholar enters the United States, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer issues documentation that states how long the individual may legally remain in the U.S. F-1 and J-1 students were admitted to the United States for “duration of status” (D/S) rather than a set date. Unlike a set date, the “duration of status” designation allowed students to remain in the U.S. as long as they were making normal progress towards the completion of their academic or research goals (including OPT and Academic Training). This also allowed for students to continue studying in multiple programs without leaving the U.S.

Beginning on 09/15/2026, D/S will be eliminated and replaced with a system that admits F-1 and J-1 visitors until an exact date. This date will coincide with the program end date on the immigration form (the I-20 or DS-2019) but will not exceed four years.

Students and scholars unable to finish their academic programs or research activity within four years would be required to file an Extension of Stay application and pay a fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to request an extension to remain in the United States to finish their academic programs/research activity.

The regulations governing I-20 end dates require a “compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems, or documented illnesses.”

We cannot extend an I-20 end date without a reason that meets that criteria.

The new rule restricts SEVIS transfers for undergraduate students within the first year of their program.

It will also prohibit F-1 students from pursuing another program at the same or lower educational level. For example, a second bachelor’s or second master’s degree or beginning a master’s program after completing a PhD.

Graduate students will not be allowed to transfer to a different school at any point during their degree program.

Undergraduate students will not be allowed to change their major during the first year in a program. Graduate students will not be allowed to change majors at any time.