FAQs

Since 1991 for F-1 students and 1993 for J-1 exchange visitors, most F and J nonimmigrants have been admitted to the U.S. for “duration of status” — meaning their I-94 simply says “D/S” with no fixed end date, and they remain in status as long as they maintain their program (full course load, valid SEVIS record, etc.). The new rule replaces this open-ended system with a fixed admission period and a formal extension process.

The rule was published on July 17, 2026, and is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026 — 60 days after publication. It is classified as a “major rule” subject to congressional review, so the effective date could still shift. Until the rule takes effect, current regulations continue to apply as normal.

Yes, but with transition protections. If you are properly maintaining F or J status on September 15, 2026, you generally will not need your I-94 corrected immediately. Instead, you will be authorized to remain until the later of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration date (if applicable) or the program end date on the Form I-20 or DS-2019 that is valid on the effective date — not to exceed 4 years from the effective date, plus an additional departure period (30 days for Fand J status).

For most students currently in valid status, there is no immediate action required. That said, this is a good time to check the program end date with your DSO/advisor, make sure your SEVIS record and I-20/DS-2019 are accurate and up to date, and start paying attention to communications from your school's international student office as they finalize guidance. 

You will need to file a formal Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS before your authorized period expires — this includes submitting biometrics and demonstrating continued eligibility. This is a significant change from the current system, where simply continuing in your program was generally sufficient. The EOS filing fee is in the range of $420, though you should visit the USCIS fee schedule page for the latest filing fee information before filing.

Travel after the effective date may trigger additional scrutiny at re-entry, since fixed admission dates and EOS timing will now be part of what's reviewed. If you are planning international travel, talk to your DSO/advisor beforehand to confirm your documents and timing line up with the new rule.

Going forward, F-1 students will generally be admitted until the program end date on their Form I-20, not to exceed 4 years, plus a grace period to prepare for departure or take further action. 

Yes. The rule shortens the F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 days to 30 days in several provisions. This is one of the more significant tightened deadlines under the new rule, so plan any post-completion steps (OPT/STEM OPT application, change of status, departure) with less buffer than before.

DHS has built in a transition cushion: F-1 students applying for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT get a reprieve from the new EOS filing requirement for the first six months after the rule takes effect. After that transition window, OPT/STEM OPT applicants should expect the EOS process to apply more fully. If you're approaching graduation, talk to your DSO early to map out your specific timeline.

The rule adds new restrictions in this area, so changes like a transfer, change of major, or moving between academic levels (e.g., bachelor's to master's) may be more heavily scrutinized or subject to new limits than before. Speak with your DSO before initiating any of these changes.

J-1 exchange visitors will generally be admitted until the program end date on their DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years, plus a grace period to prepare for departure or take further action. 

No. J-1 exchange visitors will continue to have 30 days. Review your specific DS-2019 dates with your program sponsor or Responsible Officer to confirm your timeline. 

DHS has included a transition accommodation for this situation: J-1s whose D/S would have expired shortly after September 15, 2026, can continue their program under a new DS-2019 while the related paperwork catches up. Check with your program sponsor to see if this applies to you.