Sep 27 / Grok

AI Analysis: DHS final rule ending “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F-1 (and J-1/I) nonimmigrants, effective September 15, 2026

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published the final rule “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.” It replaces the long-standing practice of admitting F-1 students (and certain others) for “Duration of Status” (shown as D/S on the I-94) with fixed periods of admission.

Key changes affecting F-1 students

  • Fixed admission periods / Admit Until Date (AUD): Instead of D/S, F-1 students (and F-2 dependents) are generally admitted for the length of their program as shown on the Form I-20, not to exceed four years, plus a grace period. The specific end date appears as the Admit Until Date on the Form I-94.
  • Shorter grace period: The post-completion grace period drops from 60 days to 30 days for those entering or reentering on/after the effective date.
  • Extensions of Stay required for more time: Additional time (program extensions, certain transfers, change of educational level, post-completion OPT/STEM OPT beyond the initial period, etc.) generally requires filing Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS *before* the AUD expires. An updated I-20 alone no longer automatically extends authorized stay.
  • Other limits: Restrictions on certain program/major changes and transfers (especially early in a program or at the same/lower level), limits on English-language training duration, and related procedural changes.

Transition rules for current students

Students already in the U.S. in valid F-1 status with D/S on their I-94 as of September 15, 2026, are generally authorized to remain until the later of their current I-20 program end date or the end of valid post-completion OPT/STEM OPT, capped at four years from the effective date (roughly up to around November 14, 2030, including the legacy 60-day grace period in many cases). Travel and reentry on/after the effective date typically subjects them to the new fixed AUD and 30-day grace period rules.
The rule is subject to possible delay via litigation or congressional review, but universities and immigration resources treat September 15, 2026, as the scheduled effective date. Students should monitor their I-94, I-20 end dates, and guidance from their school’s international student office (and SEVP/USCIS) closely, as timely extension filings may become necessary for longer programs or practical training. Official details appear in the Federal Register notice and related DHS/USCIS materials.
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