1. International Affairs
  2. Current Students
  3. Duration of Status Rule Update

Duration of Status Rule Update

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially published a final rule that changes how international students and exchange visitors are admitted to the United States.

For more information and FAQs, please visit the Study in the States website.

This new regulation formally eliminates the Duration of Status (D/S) policy and replaces it with a fixed period of admission. The rule is scheduled to officially go into effect on September 15, 2026.

What does this mean for international students?

Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors entering or reentering the United States will receive a specific admission end date on their Form I-94 instead of being admitted for “Duration of Status.” The admission period will correspond to the length of the student's program (subject to applicable maximums) plus a 30-day grace period. For F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, the admission period is limited to four years at a time.

These changes may affect students who are beginning a new program, continuing to a higher degree level, changing their educational program, transferring to another institution, or traveling outside the United States.

Students should carefully review their Form I-94 after entering or reentering the United States and contact the Office of International Affairs before making changes to their academic program or immigration plans.

FAQs

Beginning September 15, 2026, new F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will no longer be admitted for “Duration of Status” (D/S). Instead, your I-94 will have a specific “Admit Until Date.”

Your admission period will be based on the length of your program, up to a maximum of four years plus a 30-day grace period.

If you continue to another degree or transfer to another school, the time you have already used may count toward the four-year maximum.

What this means for you: Check your I-94 after entering or reentering the United States to see your authorized admission date.

If you need to remain in the United States beyond the admission date on your I-94, you may need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS using Form I-539.

To qualify, you must have maintained your F-1 or J-1 status and meet the requirements for an extension. The request must also be supported by your academic program, the Division of Global Engagement, and, when applicable, the Graduate School.

Important: USCIS charges a fee for Form I-539. Students are responsible for paying all applicable fees.

If you think you will need additional time, contact the Division of Global Engagement as early as possible. Do not wait until your I-94 admission date is about to expire.

The post-completion grace period for F-1 students will depend on when you entered or reentered the United States.

  • Students who were admitted under D/S: You will continue to have a 60-day grace period after completing your program. 
  • Students who enter or reenter the United States on or after September 15, 2026: Your I-94 will have a fixed admission date, and you will have a 30-day grace period after completing your program. 

During the grace period, eligible students may prepare to leave the United States or take steps to transition to another authorized program or status.

Check with your DSO before making plans for your grace period.

New restrictions will apply to changing majors.

  • Undergraduate and other programs below the graduate level: You cannot change your major during your first year of study, unless SEVP approves an exception due to extenuating circumstances. 
  • Graduate-level programs and above: You cannot change your major during your program. 

Before changing your major, talk to your DSO. Do not change your academic program without first confirming that you are eligible to do so under F-1 regulations.

New restrictions will also apply when changing educational levels.

Students in programs below the graduate level cannot change educational levels during their first year unless SEVP approves an exception due to extenuating circumstances.

Students in graduate-level programs or above cannot change educational levels during their program.

After completing a program, students cannot:

  • Move to a lower educational level (for example, from a master's degree to a bachelor's degree). 
  • Move to a different program at the same educational level (for example, from one bachelor's degree program to another bachelor's degree program). 

Always speak with your DSO before completing your current program if you plan to continue studying in the United States.

The rules for transferring to another school will also change.

  • Students in programs below the graduate level: You must complete your first year at the school that issued your initial I-20 before transferring to another school. 
  • Graduate students and students in programs above the graduate level: You cannot transfer during your program. 

Exceptions may be available if SEVP approves the transfer due to extenuating circumstances.
If you are considering transferring, speak with your DSO before applying to or enrolling at another school.

If you are already in the United States in F-1 status before September 15, 2026, transition rules will apply.

You may remain in the United States through your current program end date or for up to four years, whichever comes first, before becoming subject to the new Extension of Stay requirements.

Your specific situation may depend on your immigration history and I-94. Contact your DSO if you have questions about how these changes affect you.

If you have an unexpired F-1 visa and travel outside the United States, you may be eligible to apply for admission again when you return.

If admitted, CBP may issue you a new Form I-94 with an updated admission period based on your current SEVIS record and supporting documentation.

Traveling could affect your admission period and immigration status. Before making international travel plans, especially if you are close to your I-94 admission date, talk with your DSO.

If you have questions about whether you should travel outside the United States or remain in the U.S. and apply for an Extension of Stay, you should consult a licensed immigration attorney.