Updated: July 28, 2026
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final rule that changes several immigration regulations affecting F-1 students, F-2 dependents, J-1 exchange visitors, and J-2 dependents. These changes become effective September 15, 2026.
Please review the information below to understand how these changes may affect you.
Key Changes
Fixed-Date Admissions (No More 'Duration of Status')
Beginning September 15, 2026, individuals entering the United States in F or J status (or changing to F or J status within the United States) will no longer receive an I-94 marked 'Duration of Status (D/S).' Instead, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue an I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date (AUD). This date will generally be based on the program end date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day grace period after the end of your program.
F-1 Grace Period
Students who enter or reenter the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will have a 30-day grace period after completing their program of study instead of the current 60-day grace period. For J participants the 30-grace period remains the same after program completion.
Transition Provisions for Current Students and Scholars
If you are already inside the United States on September 15, 2026, and your current Form I-94 shows 'D/S' (Duration of Status), you will be covered under special transition provisions.
Under these provisions:
• You will not be required to immediately obtain a new date-specific on your I-94.
• after September 15, 2026, If you need additional time beyond the end date of your current Form I-20, DS-2019, or (if applicable) your OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you may be required to file an Extension of Stay application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• F-1 students covered by the transition provisions will generally retain the current 60-day grace period unless they travel outside the United States or apply for an Extension of Stay after September 15, 2026.
Travel Considerations
If you leave the United States and reenter on or after September 15, 2026, you will likely receive a new I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date and will become subject to the new 30-day grace period.
Extension of Stay Requirements
Beginning September 15, 2026, students and exchange visitors who need additional time in the United States for reasons such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in educational level, Optional Practical Training (OPT), may be required to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS before their I-94 Admit Until Date expires. This process may include filing fees, biometrics, and, in some cases, an interview.
Additional Academic Restrictions
- English language training programs are limited to a maximum of24 months.
• Undergraduate students generally may not transfer schools or change majors until completing their first academic year, unless an exception is approved by SEVP due to extenuating circumstances.
• Graduate students generally may not change their educational objective (such as changing majors or educational levels) during their current degree program. School transfers during a graduate program will generally require SEVP approval based on extenuating circumstances.
• Students who complete a degree after the rule takes effect generally will not be permitted to begin another program at the same or a lower educational level while remaining in F-1 status.
What Should You Do?
We encourage you to:
• Carefully review your immigration documents and the end of your program on your I-20 or DS-2019.
• Contact International Student Services before requesting a program extension, transferring schools, or changing academic levels.
• Continue monitoring your UTRGV international email for additional guidance as federal agencies publish implementation procedures and additional information.
International Student Services is actively reviewing these regulatory changes and will continue to provide updates and advising to help you remain in compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions for the DHS Final Rule for F-1 Students
Effective September 15, 2026
What is changing?
Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students and their F-2 dependents who are admitted to the United States or change to F-1/F-2 status will no longer be admitted for Duration of Status (D/S).
Instead, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue a Form I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date (AUD).
What is an Admit Until Date (AUD)?
The Admit Until Date (AUD) is the date your authorized stay in the United States expires.
For most F-1 students, the AUD will be:
- Your Form I-20 program end date;
- Up to a maximum of 4 years from your admission or approval of change of status; and
- 30 additional days after your program end date (grace period).
Who is affected by the new rule?
The new rule applies to:
- New F-1 students entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026;
- Individuals changing status to F-1 on or after September 15, 2026;
- F-2 dependents;
- Students who leave the United States and re-enter on or after September 15, 2026.
If you were admitted before September 15, 2026 with Duration of Status (D/S) and remain continuously in the United States, you will be covered by special transition provisions.
You will not immediately receive a date-specific Form I-94. However, you may eventually need to apply for an Extension of Stay if you remain in the United States beyond the period permitted under the transition rules.
What happens if I travel after September 15, 2026?
If you leave the United States and return on or after September 15, 2026, CBP will issue you a new Form I-94 showing a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) instead of "D/S."
You should always review your Form I-94 after each entry into the United States.
Is the grace period changing?
Yes.
For students admitted under the new rule, the grace period after completing their program will decrease from 60 days to 30 days.
Students covered under the transition provisions who never leave the United States may keep their 60-day grace period. However, once they leave and re-enter after September 15, 2026, they will receive the new 30-day grace period.
What if I need more time to finish my degree?
If your academic program is extended beyond your Admit Until Date, you must file an Extension of Stay with USCIS before your AUD expires.
An updated Form I-20 alone will no longer extend your lawful stay.
Will I need to file an application with USCIS?
Possibly.
Students who need additional time because of:
- Program extensions,
- School transfers,
- Changing educational levels,
- Post-completion OPT,
- Other approved reasons,must generally submit Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, before their Admit Until Date expires.
This process may include:
- Filing fees;
- Biometrics appointment;
- Possible interview;
- USCIS processing time.
Does this affect Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
A: Yes.
Students participating in OPT or other authorized practical training may need to file an Extension of Stay with USCIS if their Admit Until Date expires before their employment authorization ends.
I am a current F-1 student who was admitted for Duration of Status (D/S) and I timely filed for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT before March 18, 2027. Do I need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application?
No. If you were admitted to the United States in F-1 status for Duration of Status (D/S), are physically present in the United States when the final rule takes effect on September 15, 2026, and timely file for post-completion OPT or the STEM OPT extension by March 18, 2027, you do not need to file a separate Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your timely-filed OPT or STEM OPT application satisfies the extension requirement under the transition provisions of the final rule.
I traveled outside the United States before filing for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT and was readmitted after September 15, 2026. Do I need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS)?
Yes. If you traveled outside the United States before filing for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT and were readmitted with a fixed-date Form I-94 (Admit Until Date) under the new rule, you must file both:
- An Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and
- Your post-completion OPT or STEM OPT application.
Both applications must be filed in a timely manner to maintain your F-1 status.
11. Can I transfer to another school?
The new rule places additional restrictions on school transfers.
Generally:
- Undergraduate students may transfer schools only after completing their first academic year unless SEVP approves an exception for extenuating circumstances.
- Graduate students may transfer only if SEVP approves an exception based on extenuating circumstances.
Can I change my major?
The new rule also limits changes to educational objectives.
- Undergraduate students generally may change majors after their first academic year.
- Graduate students generally may not change majors or educational levels during their current program.
Exceptions may be available only in limited circumstances approved by SEVP.
Can I begin another degree after I graduate?
Under the new rule, students generally may not begin another academic program at the same or a lower educational level after completing a program.
For example:
- Bachelor's → Another Bachelor's: Generally not permitted.
- Master's → Another Master's: Generally not permitted.
- Master's → Bachelor's: Not permitted.
This restriction applies only to programs completed on or after September 15, 2026.
Is there a limit for English language study?
Yes.
Students enrolled only in English language training programs may remain in that status for a maximum of 24 months.
What should I do if I plan to travel on or after September 15, 2026?
Before leaving the United States:
- Verify your passport is valid.
- Ensure your F-1 visa is valid for re-entry.
- Obtain a valid travel signature on your Form I-20.
- Check your Form I-94 after re-entering the United States.
There is nothing you need to do immediately if you are currently maintaining your F-1 status.
However, you should:
- Continue maintaining full-time enrollment.
- Keep your passport valid.
- Monitor your Form I-20 program end date.
- Consult your DSO before international travel, transferring schools, changing majors, extending your program, or applying for OPT.
- Watch for future guidance from your school's International Student Services office.
Where can I get help?
If you have questions about how these changes affect your individual situation, contact your Designated School Official (DSO) at International Student Services before taking any action. Since all students' circumstances are different, your DSO can help you understand how the new regulations apply to you.