New immigration rules will significantly change how certain F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I foreign media representatives are admitted to the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule on July 17, 2026, that replaces the long-standing “duration of status,” or D/S, system with a fixed period of admission for these categories. The rule is currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, although DHS has stated that the effective date remains subject to congressional review. If that review changes the effective date, DHS will publish a notice in the Federal Register.
For international students, the most important change is not that their F-1 visa itself suddenly expires. Rather, the change affects how long they are authorized to remain in the United States after admission and how they extend that authorized stay when necessary.
What Does the End of “Duration of Status” Mean for F-1 Students?
Under the current system, F-1 students are generally admitted for “duration of status,” or D/S. This means that the student’s authorized stay is generally tied to maintaining valid F-1 status while completing the approved course of study and any authorized practical training, together with the applicable departure period.
Beginning with the new rule, DHS will generally admit F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants for a fixed period of time rather than D/S.
For F-1 students entering under the new system, the authorized admission period will generally correspond to the program end date listed by the designated school official on the Form I-20, subject to a maximum of four years, plus the applicable grace period.
This means that the Form I-94 and its Admit Until Date (AUD) will become much more important.
The visa in your passport does not itself determine how long you may remain in the United States. The visa allows you to seek admission. The I-94 and the rules governing your nonimmigrant status determine the period for which you are authorized to remain.
How Long Can F-1, J-1, and I Nonimmigrants Stay?
The final rule establishes different fixed admission periods for the affected categories:
| Category | General Admission Period | Additional Rule |
| F-1 academic student | Up to the length of the program, generally not exceeding 4 years | English-language training is limited to 24 months |
| J-1 exchange visitor | Up to the length of the program, generally not exceeding 4 years | Extensions may require an Extension of Stay through USCIS under the new framework |
| I foreign media representative | Until completion of the qualifying activity, generally not exceeding 240 days | Certain PRC representatives are subject to a shorter maximum period |
The four-year limit does not mean that an F-1 student can never complete a program that takes longer than four years.
For example, a doctoral program may take six years. The student may need to obtain an extension of stay before the initial period of admission expires in order to continue lawfully in the United States.
The new system therefore makes it especially important for students in long-term academic programs to monitor their admission period and plan ahead for any necessary extension.
What About Students Who Are Already in the United States?
This is one of the most important parts of the new rule.
The rule does not simply require every F-1 student who is already in the United States to file an immediate extension application on September 15, 2026.
DHS created transition provisions for F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants who:
- Are in valid F or J status on September 15, 2026;
- Were previously admitted for D/S; and
- Continue to properly maintain their status.
Under the transition provisions, certain students already present in the United States may continue under the transition rules for a period that can extend up to four years, depending on the applicable circumstances.
This means that students currently in F-1 status should not assume that they must immediately file Form I-539 simply because the new rule takes effect.
Instead, they should determine how the transition provisions apply to their specific situation.
What Happens If My Admission Period Expires Before I Finish My Studies?
Under the new system, an F-1 student who needs additional time may need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS before the authorized period expires.
A timely filed extension application can provide important protection while USCIS makes a decision.
For F-1 students, the rule provides mechanisms allowing qualifying students who timely file the required applications to continue certain educational activities while USCIS adjudicates the extension request. The specific rules vary depending on whether the student is continuing a degree program, completing OPT, applying for STEM OPT, or transitioning to another program.
This makes timing extremely important.
A student should not wait until the final days before the I-94 expiration date to determine whether an extension is necessary.
What Happens to the F-1 Grace Period?
The new rule generally reduces the standard F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 days to 30 days.
For students subject to the new fixed-admission system, the 30-day period generally applies after completion of the program or authorized practical training.
However, transition provisions are important for students who are already maintaining F-1 status under D/S when the rule takes effect. Certain students may retain the existing 60-day grace period under the transition rules.
Students should therefore determine whether they are covered by the transition provisions before assuming that they have only 30 days to depart or take other immigration action.
J-1 exchange visitors generally continue to have a 30-day post-program grace period.
What About OPT and STEM OPT?
OPT and STEM OPT require special attention under the new rule.
For F-1 students transitioning from their academic program to post-completion OPT, DHS created transition provisions intended to prevent unnecessary disruption.
The final rule also establishes procedures involving the Form I-765 employment authorization application and, in certain circumstances, an Extension of Stay application.
For example, students who were already present in the United States when the rule takes effect and who timely apply for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT during the specified transition period may receive special treatment and may not need to file a separate Extension of Stay application in certain circumstances.
Because the requirements differ depending on when the student was admitted, whether the student travels, and when the OPT or STEM OPT application is filed, students should review the transition provisions carefully before filing.
What Other Changes Should Students Know About?
The end of D/S is the headline change, but the final rule also introduces additional restrictions and procedures affecting F-1 students.
Transfers and Changes in Educational Objectives
The rule restricts certain school transfers and changes in educational objectives during the first academic year of an F-1 program unless an exception is authorized by SEVP.
The rule also places additional restrictions on graduate-level students. F-1 students in graduate-level programs generally may not change their educational objective or transfer during their program unless SEVP authorizes an exception based on extenuating circumstances.
Because these restrictions are new, students who are considering transferring schools or changing programs should consult their designated school official and, when appropriate, an immigration attorney before taking action.
English-Language Training
The rule limits F-1 admission for English-language training to 24 months, including applicable breaks and vacation periods.
Academic Progress
Students who need additional time because of academic difficulties should not assume that an extension will automatically be granted.
DHS has indicated that delays resulting from academic problems or failure to make satisfactory progress may not, by themselves, provide sufficient grounds for an extension.
Students whose programs are taking longer than expected should speak with their DSO and evaluate their immigration options well before the authorized period expires.
What Should You Review Before September 15, 2026?
If you are an F-1 student, there are several documents you should review now:
- Your Form I-94;
- Your Form I-20;
- Your passport and F-1 visa;
- Your current program end date;
- Your expected graduation date;
- Your OPT or STEM OPT dates, if applicable;
- Your academic calendar;
- Any previous immigration applications or extensions; and
- Any upcoming travel plans.
Under the new system, the I-94 and Admit Until Date will become especially important.
Students should also understand the difference between their visa expiration date and their authorized period of stay. A valid F-1 visa does not, by itself, determine how long a student may remain in the United States.
If you are planning to transition from F-1 status to another immigration category, such as an employment-based status or adjustment of status, the timing of that transition should be evaluated carefully.
Understanding the process is only the first step. The details of your individual case can change the strategy. If you want to know how these new rules may affect your situation, schedule a consultation with our team.
At Angel Law Firm, our attorneys handling nonimmigrant visas assist clients from Orlando and throughout Central Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Student Visa Rules
Does the new rule affect students who are already in the United States?
Yes, but not necessarily in the same way as students entering after the rule takes effect.
The final rule includes transition provisions for F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants who are properly maintaining status on September 15, 2026.
Students who are already in the United States should not assume that they must immediately file an Extension of Stay application. Their situation should be evaluated under the transition provisions and based on their current program, I-20, admission history, and travel plans.
Can I continue studying if my Extension of Stay application is pending?
In qualifying circumstances, yes.
The rule provides protections for F-1 students who timely file the required Extension of Stay application. Depending on the circumstances, a student may continue the course of study while USCIS adjudicates the application.
The critical issue is filing before the authorized period expires and complying with the applicable requirements.
What happens to OPT and STEM OPT?
The final rule contains special transition provisions for OPT and STEM OPT.
Certain F-1 students who are already in the United States when the rule takes effect and who timely file for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT during the specified transition period may receive special treatment and may not need a separate Extension of Stay application in certain circumstances.
The exact requirements depend on the student’s admission history, travel, and filing dates.
Can a graduate student transfer to another university?
The new rule imposes additional restrictions on graduate-level transfers and changes in educational objectives.
Graduate-level F-1 students generally may not transfer or change their educational objective during their program unless SEVP authorizes an exception based on extenuating circumstances.
Students considering a transfer should therefore consult with their DSO and, when appropriate, an immigration attorney before making the change.
Do I need an attorney to extend my F-1 status?
An attorney is not legally required to file an Extension of Stay application.
However, an error in filing can create serious immigration consequences. Students with long academic programs, transfers, interruptions in study, OPT/STEM OPT, prior immigration violations, or other complications should consider obtaining legal advice before filing.
Your Academic Calendar Is No Longer the Whole Story: Review Your Immigration Timeline
The new rule changes the way F-1 students’ authorized stay is calculated and makes the I-94, Admit Until Date, and timely extensions much more important.
It does not mean that every current F-1 student must immediately file an extension on September 15, 2026. The transition provisions are an important part of the rule.
If you are an F-1 student, review your:
- Form I-94;
- Form I-20;
- Program end date;
- OPT/STEM OPT authorization, if applicable;
- Passport and visa;
- Academic progress; and
- Travel plans.
Most importantly, confirm whether the final rule remains scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, because DHS has stated that the effective date could change following congressional review.
You can review the official Federal Register publication for the complete rule.
If you are concerned about how the new rules may affect your F-1 status, OPT, STEM OPT, transfer, graduation, or transition to another immigration category, consider speaking with an immigration attorney before taking action.
