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Understanding the New F-1 and J-1 Regulations on Duration of Status

Overview
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule that introduces significant changes to how F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are admitted to and maintain their nonimmigrant status in the United States. Effective September 15, 2026, the rule replaces Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed expiration date on Form I-94, known as the Admit Until Date (AUD). Eligible students and exchange visitors who need additional time beyond their AUD must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of stay.

The new regulation also shortens the F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 days to 30 days and establishes new requirements for changing degree levels, changing majors or fields of study, transferring to another school, and departing the United States after completing a program of study. Students and exchange visitors who are already in F-1 or J-1 status in the United States before the rule's effective date may be eligible for transition provisions.

Fixed-Date Admissions to the United States
Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents will no longer be admitted to the United States under Duration of Status (D/S). Instead, they will receive a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94, generally based on the program end date listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019 (up to a maximum of four years), plus a 30-day grace period after program completion.

Students and exchange visitors who need additional time beyond their AUD—for reasons such as a program extension, school transfer, change in academic level, or authorized practical training—must apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before their AUD expires. Alternatively, they may depart the United States and obtain a new period of admission from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon reentry.

The final rule also establishes new eligibility requirements for Extension of Stay applications.

Transition Rules
Students and exchange visitors who are already in F-1 or J-1 status in the United States on September 15, 2026, and whose Form I-94 reflects Duration of Status (D/S) will be given a new Admit Until Date (AUD) that corresponds with the Program End Date listed on their I-20/DS-2019. Some transitional provisions are provided regarding OPT applications and grace periods only.

While these continuing students/exchange visitors will not need to immediately obtain a new Form I-94 with a fixed end date, they must apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) before the end of their current Program End Date if they need additional time to remain in status. Certain benefits, such as the current 60-day F-1 grace period, may continue during the transition, but students who travel internationally or apply for an extension on or after the effective date will become subject to the new fixed-date admission rules, including the 30-day grace period. See below for further details.

The ISSS Office is closely monitoring these changes and will continue to provide guidance and updates as additional information becomes available.

Key Changes
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  • Fixed-Date Admissions – Form I-94 Admit Until Date (AUD)
    • Form I-94 will include an end date: F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will receive a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 that indicates how long they are authorized to remain in the United States.
    • AUD is based on program dates: The admission period will be tied to the program end date listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019. 
    • Maximum stay period: The AUD will be limited to four years maximum, plus an additional 30 days after the program end date. 
    • Extensions require USCIS filing: F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who need additional time must apply for an extension of stay with USCIS before their AUD expires.
  • Reduced Grace Period
    • The F-1 grace period will be reduced to 30 days: F-1 students and their dependents who enter or reenter the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will have 30 days, instead of the current 60 days, after completing their academic program to prepare for departure, apply for an eligible change of status, or take other actions permitted under immigration regulations.
  • Transition Rules
    • No immediate I-94 update required: Current F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who are in the United States with Duration of Status (D/S) on their Form I-94, will not need to immediately obtain a fixed end date on their Form I-94. However, they will still be impacted by the new rule. The Program End Date listed on their I-20/DS-2019 will become their AUD.
    • Current F-1 grace period will continue during the transition: F-1 students admitted for Duration of Status (D/S) before September 15, 2026, will keep the current 60-day grace period, unless they travel and re-enter the U.S. after September 15, 2026.
    • International travel or an approved Extension of Stay may subject you to the new rules: Students and exchange visitors who are readmitted to the United States or receive an approved Extension of Stay on or after September 15, 2026, will receive a Form I-94 with a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) and, for F-1 students, will be subject to the new 30-day grace period.
    • An Extension of Stay may still be required: If additional time is needed beyond the current period of authorized stay, students and exchange visitors must apply for an Extension of Stay before their authorized stay ends. An EOS may also be necessary for transfers, Change of Education Levels, or OPT applications (see next bullet point for OPT).
    • OPT Applications: For students in the United States under D/S who do not travel after September 15, 2026, OPT applications submitted prior to March 15, 2027 (6 months after the September 15 effective date) will NOT require an Extension of Stay application. This applies to those graduating in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Spring 2027 graduates will need to submit their OPT applications before March 15th to avoid filing an EOS application. All OPT applications (for current or new students) filed after March 15, 2027 will require an Extension of Stay application.
  • Restrictions on Changing Schools, Majors, or Degree Levels

    The new regulations will limit when F-1 students can make certain academic changes.

    • Undergraduate Students: During the first year of study, students will be restricted from:
      • Changing their major
      • Changing their degree level
      • Transferring to another school
    • Graduate Students: Students will be restricted entirely from:
      • Changing their major
      • Changing their degree level during their program of study
      • Transferring to another school
  • Restrictions on Changing Your Educational Degree Level
    • Restrictions after completing a degree level: After completing a program at a specific educational level, F-1 students may not begin another program at the same or a lower educational level. For example, a student who completes a Bachelor’s degree may not begin another Bachelor’s degree program or an Associate degree program.
    • Higher Education Levels only: Change of Educational Level will only be permitted for higher degrees, progressing in this order: English Language Training/Other > Associate > Bachelors > Masters > Doctorate
    • Applies to programs completed on or after September 15, 2026: These restrictions apply only to programs completed on or after the effective date of the new regulation.
  • OPT/STEM OPT

    For F-1 students participating in or applying for OPT/STEM OPT.

    • F-1 students currently on OPT or STEM OPT: F-1 students who were admitted to the United States in Duration of Status (D/S) before September 15, 2026, may remain in the United States through the completion of their approved post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT Extension. Their AUD will be the end date on their EAD + the grace period (30 days for those who travel after September 15, 2026 or 60 days for those who remained in the U.S. after September 15, 2026).
    • F-1 student applying for OPT or STEM OPT before March 15, 2027: 
      • For students who do NOT travel after September 15, 2026: For students in the United States under D/S who do not travel after September 15, 2026, OPT applications submitted prior to March 15, 2027 (6 months after the September 15 effective date) will NOT require an Extension of Stay application. This applies to those graduating in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Spring 2027 graduates will need to submit their OPT applications before March 15, 2027 to avoid filing an EOS application. The AUD will be the end date on the EAD or the DSO recommended OPT end date listed on the I-20.
      • For students who travel and enter the U.S. after September 15, 2026: For students who travel anytime, entering the U.S. after September 15, 2026, will require an Extension of Stay application when applying for OPT. This applies to OPT applications before and after March 15, 2027.
    • F-1 student applying for OPT or STEM OPT after March 15, 2027: All OPT applications (for current or new students) filed after March 15, 2027 will require an Extension of Stay application.
  • F-2/J-2 Dependents
    • The authorized stay of F-2/J-2 dependents cannot extend beyond the authorized stay of the primary F-1/J-1 student or visitor.
    • Dependents will also receive a fixed period of admission, and they will also need to apply for an Extension of Stay to remain in the U.S. beyond their Admit Until Date (AUD).
  • Extension of Stay (EOS) or Travel/Re-entry

    Extensions of Stay (EOS) applications or Travel/Re-entry will be required in the following situations:

    • When filing an OPT or STEM OPT application (exceptions for transition period are listed above)
    • When requesting a Change of Education Level after completing a program
    • When Transferring to a new institution for a new program
    • When requesting a Program Extension (for programs longer than 4 years or when additional time is needed to graduate)

    Extension of Stay (EOS) or Travel/Re-Entry?
    Students will need to consider many factors when deciding if they should apply for an Extension of Stay or Travel/Re-enter. They should consult an immigration attorney to discuss the two options, based on their personal risk factors.  A few things to consider:

    • Do they have a valid visa stamp in your passport?
    • When is their program end date?
    • Are they applying for OPT? STEM OPT?
    • Costs involved both with travel and EOS
    • Many other factors may be involved. Please discuss with ISSS and an immigration attorney before making a decision.
  • Additional Resources