Important Update: F-1 and J-1 Duration of Status Changes

Important Immigration Update: Changes to F-1 & J-1 Duration of Status

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule removing the "Duration of Status" (D/S) provision. Beginning September 15, 2026, many F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents arriving to the U.S. will receive a fixed "admit until" date (AUD) on their I-94 instead of being admitted for D/S.

These changes affect program end dates, extensions, grace periods, transfers, future study after completion of the initial program, and employment. Individuals who need additional time to complete their academic program, research objectives, Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT, or Academic Training will need to take formal action to extend their stay in the United States.

The Center for International Programs (CIP) will continue to monitor these changes and provide updates and guidance to our international students. 

What is Duration of Status (D/S)?

Duration of Status refers to the Department of Homeland Security-approved period of time that an international student or exchange visitor could historically remain legally in the United States. This has generally allowed those with specific types of visas (J-1 and F-1) to remain in the country as long as they are making normal progress toward completing their academic or research objectives, or a “duration of status” instead of a specific time period. Moving forward, after September 15, 2026:

1. Most students will be admitted for up to four years.

   • The admission period will generally be the length of the academic program up to a maximum of four years.

   • Students in programs lasting longer than four years (such as many doctoral programs) will need to request an extension of stay before their I-94 expires.

2. Extensions of stay become much more important. 

   • Instead of automatically remaining in status by extending their I-20 or DS-2019, students will now need to file Form I-539 Extension of Stay application and pay an associated fee of $420 online with USCIS to remain in the U.S. beyond their I-94 expiration date. 

3. The F-1 grace period is shortened.

   • After completing a program (or post-completion OPT), the grace period decreases from 60 days to 30 days. As before, any change of level or transfer has to be filed before the end of the grace period.

4. New restrictions on academic flexibility.

   • Additional restrictions apply to graduate students seeking to transfer institutions or change educational objectives during their program.

   • Students may need to file Form I-539 if they want to change their major or educational objective.

   • Students can transfer to another institution after one year of completed study in the institution where their initial I-20/DS-2019 was issued.

   • Students generally may not pursue a second bachelor's degree or second master's degree after completing their initial program.

   • Intensive English Program students are generally limited to a maximum of 24 months of study.

   • Students already in the U.S. under D/S are not immediately out of status. DHS included transition rules, although how they apply depends on the student's circumstances.  

What should I do now?

*Please note: Federal immigration regulations and implementation guidance continue to evolve. This webpage is intended to provide general information and may be updated as additional guidance becomes available. Students should contact the Center for International Programs before making immigration or travel decisions based on these changes.