The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the final rule that will replace “duration of status” (D/S) with fixed periods of admission for F and J nonimmigrants. The final rule does not take effect until September 15, 2026.
Under the current duration of status framework, most F-1 and J-1 students may remain in the U.S. for the time needed to complete their academic program or authorized practical training, provided they continue to meet all immigration requirements. The final rule replaces D/S with a fixed end date for authorized period of stay. Eligible students and exchange visitors will be required to request an extension of stay from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or depart the U.S. and request readmission from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if additional time is needed to complete a program of study.
The final rule also places new limits on several academic and immigration-related activities, including:
- Changing a major or program objective,
- Transferring to another school,
- Pursuing an additional degree or educational program at the same or lower academic level, and
- The grace period to remain in the U.S. after the completion of a program or practical training
The final rule is not yet in effect. Current duration of status policies will remain in place through September 14, 2026.
Read ISS’s statement on the published changes to Duration of Status and visit the ISS Duration of Status hub for the latest information.