International Student Services (ISS) is closely monitoring a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that could affect international students and exchange visitors in F-1 and J-1 status.
No changes are currently in effect. International students and scholars should continue to follow current F-1 and J-1 regulations unless otherwise notified by International Student Services.
The proposed rule would make several significant changes to current immigration regulations, including:
- Replacing the current Duration of Status (D/S) admission period with a fixed period of stay on their I-94 arrival/departure record.
- Requiring certain students and exchange visitors to apply for extensions of stay through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Under the current regulations, students who need additional time to complete their academic program may request a program extension through International Student Services and receive an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019. Based on the proposed rule, students and exchange visitors who need to remain in the United States beyond the period authorized on their Form I-94 may also be required to file a separate extension application with USCIS, pay any associated filing fees, and obtain approval before continuing their program.
- Reducing the F-1 grace period following program completion from 60 days to 30 days.
- Restricting certain changes of major and school transfers. Based on the current proposed rule language, undergraduate students may be required to complete one academic year before changing majors or transferring to another institution. Graduate students may be required to remain in their original program and institution until completing their degree before changing programs or transferring to another school.
- Limiting participation in English language training programs to a maximum of 24 months.
At this time, these changes are only proposed and have not been finalized or implemented. The Department of Homeland Security may modify the proposal before issuing a final rule.
International Student Services is actively monitoring developments and working closely with NAFSA: Association of International Educators and other professional organizations to evaluate the potential impact on our students and scholars.
We encourage all F-1 and J-1 students, scholars, faculty, and staff to stay informed and rely on official communications from International Student Services for updates. If a final rule is published, ISS will provide guidance regarding any actions that may be required.
For questions, please contact International Student Services at international@utrgv.edu or 956-882-7092 (Brownsville) / 956-665-2922 (Edinburg).
Last Updated: June 2026