Duration of Status and Program Extension Changes

*Updated on 08/24/2026

08/20/2026 webinar slides – Duration of Status and Program Extension Changes

This information is based on the ISSO’s initial review and analysis of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final regulation entitled “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,” which was published on July 17, 2026. 

As explained further below, the new rule (a) eliminates the I-94 duration of status (D/S) for F and J visa holders, (b) establishes a fixed period of admission to the U.S. for F and J visa holders, and (c) imposes new restrictions on F-1 students’ ability to change programs or transfer institutions.

The rule is scheduled to go into effect on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. 

The ISSO will keep the campus community updated on the status of the rule, provide clarifications from government agencies as they are made available and update any changes to the implementation of the rule on our webpage. Please note that ISSO websites about specific topics (e.g., program completion, extensions, etc.) will take some time to update as the new rule continues to be analyzed and implemented.

Background

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. 

Summary of Major Changes

First, the rule eliminates ‘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.   

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

Overview of changes

  • 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. 
  • Extension of Stay (EOS) applications will be required if extra time is needed: 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 academic year of study. F-1 graduate students will not be allowed to change their “educational objective” at any point during their degree program. F-1 students are no longer eligible for lateral or reverse matriculation if they’ve already completed an F-1 program of study.
  • Limitations on transfers: F-1 undergraduate students will not be allowed to transfer their SEVIS record to another institution during their first academic 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 master’s degree.

Effective Date

The current effective date of the new rule is September 15, 2026. However, DHS may delay the effective date. The ISSO will keep relevant stakeholders apprised of any updates on our Alerts & Announcements page and/or via email.

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

Actions You Can Take In Advance of the Rule

  • Review your progress: Review your progress towards completing your degree with your advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator. If an extension of your I-20 or DS-2019 is necessary to complete your degree, you can submit a program extension request by following instructions found on the Requesting a Program Extension website. J-1 scholars should consult with their departments regarding extensions within your period of maximum stay.
  • Consult before making changes: Avoid making changes to your program without consulting the ISSO and your academic advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator. The ISSO will provide updates via Town Halls (dates TBD), this web page, and in individual advising sessions. 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: 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. 
  • Double check travel outside the U.S.: Travelling outside the U.S. and re-entering after September 15, 2026 will impact your I-94 end date, especially those who will graduate in December and apply for OPT. Consult with the ISSO to explore your options.
  • Check your I-94 after travel: 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. after September 15, 2026, you will see a specific date listed on that “admit until date”.  
  • Monitor your email: Watch your email for updates and opportunities to learn more about how the rule will affect you.