Duration of Status
The U.S. government has published significant changes to Duration of Status. Follow the updates here.
Current Status
Final rule published, not yet in effect.
DHS has published the final rule in the Federal Register. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Continue following current ISS guidance.
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Learn about D/S & the Published Changes
What is Duration of Status?
D/S means your entry to the U.S. is tied to maintaining status, not one fixed date.
When you enter the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student, your Form I-94 should list your Admit Until Date as D/S, which stands for Duration of Status.
Under this current policy, you may remain in the United States as long as you:
- maintain proper enrollment;
- make progress towards your academic program; and
- work only with the proper authorization.
This policy provides students the flexibility needed to successfully navigate their academic journeys.
Example of Current I-94
Under current guidance, your I-94 should show D/S instead of a specific end date.
Published Changes to Duration of Status
DHS has published a final rule changing Duration of Status, but the rule is not yet in effect.
DHS published the final rule on July 17, 2026. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, unless DHS publishes a notice changing the effective date or terminating the rule after congressional review. F-1 and J-1 students should continue following current ISS guidance while ISS reviews the final rule and prepares updated guidance for students, dependents, and campus partners.
Once finalized, the rule may:
- Replace D/S with a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on the Form I-94 for F-1 and J-1 students.
- Admission to the U.S. will generally be limited to the program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years.
- Students who need more time to complete their studies will need to apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay or travel outside the U.S. to request readmission at a U.S. Port of Entry.
- The standard F-1 grace period will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
- New restrictions for undergraduate and graduate students will apply to school transfers and changes to academic programs or educational objectives.
- F-1 students who complete an academic program after the rule is finalized, will generally not be allowed to begin another F-1 program at the same or a lower educational level.
D/S Rulemaking Timeline
What has happened so far
-
Proposed rule published
DHS proposed replacing Duration of Status with fixed admission periods.
-
Public comment period closed
The public comment period ended, and DHS began reviewing submitted comments.
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Final rule submitted to OMB
DHS completed its review of comments and submitted the final rule to OMB/OIRA for review.
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OMB review completed
OMB/OIRA completed its review and returned the final rule to DHS.
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Final rule published
DHS published the final rule in the Federal Register. The rule has not yet taken effect.
What’s next
What to expect next
- Now
ISS reviews the final rule
ISS is reviewing the final rule to understand the impact for F-1 and J-1 students, dependents, and campus partners. Website information may change as ISS completes this review.
- Next
ISS communicates initial understanding of guidance
ISS will share important updates with students and campus partners, including what students should do before the rule takes effect.
- Before Sept. 15
ISS updates website and resources
ISS will update website information, advising materials, and related resources to reflect the final rule and any DHS implementation guidance.
- Sept. 15, 2026
Final rule scheduled to take effect
The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, unless DHS publishes a notice changing the effective date or terminating the rule after congressional review.
Current guidance
The final rule has been published, but it is not yet in effect.
Continue following current immigration requirements and ISS guidance. The final rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, unless DHS publishes a notice changing the effective date or terminating the rule after congressional review.
Transition period
Students and alumni in the U.S. under D/S on September 15, 2026 will have a transition period.
Under the final rule, F-1 and J-1 students who are in the U.S. and properly maintaining D/S status on September 15, 2026 will be allowed to remain in the U.S. based on their current I-20, DS-2019, or Employment Authorization Document timeline, subject to limits in the final rule.
ISS is reviewing these transition exceptions, including how they apply to current students, students on practical training or academic training, dependents, travel, and requests for additional time. Continue following current ISS guidance.
Processes that may be affected
Some immigration-related processes will change if the rule takes effect.
Students may need to pay closer attention to timelines connected to their academic program, immigration documents, travel, employment authorization, and extension of stay requirements.
- Program extensions
- I-20 or DS-2019 end date planning
- Extension of Stay applications with USCIS
- School transfers
- Change of education level or academic program
- Beginning a new program at the same or lower degree level
- Practical training, STEM OPT, or academic training timelines
- Travel and reentry after the rule takes effect
- Grace period planning after program completion
What students should do now
Use this time to review your documents and watch for ISS guidance.
- Check your I-94 and confirm whether your admission period shows D/S.
- Review the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Continue making normal progress in your academic program.
- Plan early and discuss with your department if you may need more time to complete your program.
- Do not submit new applications or requests based only on the final rule.
- Monitor your email for ISS updates as we review the final rule and any DHS implementation guidance.
- Have a question? Students should contact their respective ISS office at UW Seattle, UW Bothell, or UW Tacoma.
Student Planning
How the final rule may affect students when it takes effect
| Immigration Process | Current Rule (Duration of Status) | Final Rule Once Effective |
|---|---|---|
| Length of Stay | Your Form I-94 lists D/S (Duration of Status), allowing you to remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain your status and your I-20 or DS-2019 remains valid. | Your I-94 would list a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) instead of D/S. Admission to the U.S. would generally be limited to the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years. |
| Travel and Reentry | Students in F-1 or J-1 status are generally readmitted for D/S if they have valid travel documents and are maintaining status. | After the rule takes effect, students who reenter the U.S. will receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their new I-94, even if they were previously covered by D/S. Students should review ISS travel guidance before international travel. |
| Need More Time to Graduate? | ISS can extend your I-20 or DS-2019 if you have an academic or medical reason for needing additional time. No USCIS application or filing fee is required. | Students will need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS or travel and request readmission to the U.S. |
| Program Extension Timing | You must request an I-20 or DS-2019 extension before your program end date. | You will need both an updated I-20 or DS-2019 and a USCIS Extension of Stay application before your period of stay expires or travel and request readmission to the U.S. |
| Grace Period After Graduation (F-1) | F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after completing their program or authorized post-completion practical training. | The standard F-1 grace period would be reduced to 30 days. |
| Changing Degree Levels | Students may generally begin a higher degree program by obtaining a new I-20 or DS-2019 and following ISS procedures. | Students will still be able to begin a higher educational level, but will need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS or travel and request readmission to the U.S. |
| Starting Another Program at the Same or Lower Degree Level | Generally permitted if all immigration requirements are met. | After the rule takes effect, F-1 students who complete a program will generally not be allowed to begin another academic program at the same or lower educational level. |
| Transferring Schools | Eligible students may transfer their SEVIS record through ISS without filing an application with USCIS. | Undergraduate students will not be allowed to transfer during the first academic year, and graduate students will not be allowed to transfer at any point during a program. |
| Changing Majors or Academic Objectives | Generally allowed if the change is appropriate and your immigration record is updated when required. | Undergraduate students will not be allowed change academic major or academic program during the first academic year, and graduate students will not be allowed to change their major or academic program at any point during a program. |
| Dependents (F-2/J-2) | Dependents remain in status as long as the primary F-1 or J-1 student maintains status. | Dependents’ period of admission to the U.S. will be tied to the primary F-1 or J-1 student’s fixed admission period and any approved extensions. |
How to support students
Refer students to ISS for questions about the final rule.
- Encourage students to review their I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, and academic timeline.
- Refer all immigration-specific questions about the final rule to ISS.
- Remind students that the final rule has been published but is not yet in effect. It is currently scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, unless DHS changes or terminates the rule after congressional review.
- Encourage students to continue following current ISS processes.
- Have a question? Campus partners should contact their respective ISS office at UW Seattle, UW Bothell, or UW Tacoma.
D/S Explainer
Have a question for Seattle ISS?
The final Duration of Status (D/S) rule has been published, but it has not yet taken effect. Continue following current F-1 or J-1 immigration regulations. ISS is reviewing the published rule and will provide updated guidance.
The final rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Because the rule is subject to congressional review, DHS may publish a notice changing the effective date or terminating the rule.
The final rule replaces D/S with fixed admission periods for F-1 and J-1 students once the rule takes effect. It also creates new Extension of Stay requirements and changes some rules related to grace periods, program extensions, school transfers, academic program changes, and dependents.
ISS will update this webpage, send information to your @uw.edu email, and share guidance in ISS newsletters and blog posts. Alumni on post-graduation work authorization will be emailed at their preferred email.
The final rule may affect how students maintain lawful status before or during OPT or STEM OPT. ISS is reviewing the details and will provide updated guidance before students need to take action.
Yes. Once effective, the final rule would also affect F-2 and J-2 dependents because their period of stay is generally tied to the primary F-1 or J-1 student’s fixed admission period and any approved extensions.
Only if you have discussed with your academic department and determined that you need additional time to complete your academic program. Do not request an extension solely because of the final rule.
Not necessarily. Continue making academic decisions based on your educational goals. The final rule includes new restrictions once effective, so review ISS guidance before making immigration-related decisions.
The final rule includes a transition period for F-1 and J-1 students who are properly maintaining status on the effective date. ISS is reviewing these rules and will provide more detailed guidance about how they apply to current students.
ISS is still reviewing the regulatory changes to D/S but our understanding is that travel on or after September 15 will impact whether you are admitted to the U.S. under the new policy. Students should consider how the timing of their entry may affect their period of authorized stay on the Form I-94:
- Students who enter the U.S. before September 15, 2026, should receive an I-94 showing “D/S” as the Admit Until Date (AUD).
- Students who enter on or after September 15, 2026, will likely receive a specific Admit Until Date that matches the I-20 end date or a maximum of 4 years, whichever is sooner.
An updated I-94 is issued each time a student enters the United States. Students should review their I-94 carefully after each entry to the U.S. It is important to understand your period of authorized stay and make note of the Admit Until Date (AUD) under this new policy.
Immigration information shared on social media, online, or through AI may not always be accurate or apply to your situation. ISS recommends relying on official communications from ISS and government agencies for the most current guidance. If you’re unsure how a change applies to you, contact ISS before making decisions about your immigration status.
