Duration of Status
The U.S. government has published significant regulatory changes to the Duration of Status rules, including new restrictions. 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 29, 2026
Learn about D/S & Other 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.
Summary of Changes for F-1 and J-1 Students:
Fixed date admissions to the U.S.
- F and J visa holders entering or returning to the U.S. on or after 9/15/2026 will be admitted with a fixed end date recorded on the I-94 entry record.
- The “Admit Until Date” (AUD) on the I-94 will be limited to the program end date noted on your I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years (i.e., whichever is shorter), plus a 30-day grace period following the end date.
- The F-1 grace period will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days for any student entering or returning to the U.S. on or after 9/15/2026.
Extension of stay process
- Students needing more time beyond their Admit Until Date (AUD) for whatever reason (extension of program, school transfers, moving academic levels, post-completion OPT or AT) will be required to timely file a Form I-539 extension of stay application with USCIS before their AUD expires.
- An extension of stay will be adjudicated by the U.S. government and may include a higher standard of justification for approval, especially for students with repeated course failures, repeats, dropping, and not making normal academic progress as determined by the officer.
- An option for students to exit the U.S. and re-enter with a valid visa and I-20 or DS-2019 may be an option, but further clarification is still needed. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) would adjudicate the request for more time at the port of entry.
Restrictions on transfers and changes of educational objectives
- Undergraduate students may change their major or transfer schools only after their first year of study.
- Graduate students are not eligible to change their educational objective/program at any point during their program of study.
- Graduate students may be eligible to transfer schools during their program of study, but only if SEVP approves an exception based on “extenuating circumstances.”
Prohibited from lateral or reverse matriculation
- F-1 students will not be allowed to pursue a subsequent academic program at the same or lower educational level after completing a program at a particular level.
Transition provisions
- Students who are in the U.S. or arrive in the U.S. before 9/15/2026, will remain under Duration of Status (D/S) under the transition provisions.
- Students can remain under D/S if they do not travel outside the U.S. until their I-20 or DS-2019 program end date or until 11/14/2030 (whichever is earlier). If additional time is needed to complete the degree, an Extension of Stay application with USCIS will be required and D/S will no longer apply.
- F-1 students in this transition group will retain their legacy 60-day grace period but only if they stay in the U.S. after the new rule goes into effect on 9/15/2026. Exiting and re-entering or applying for an extension of stay on or after 9/15 will eliminate D/S status and the 60-day grace period.
- Students traveling to the U.S. on or after 9/15/2026 will be admitted under the new rules and assigned a date specific AUD plus a 30-day grace period. Transition provisions will not be applicable, even if you started your studies before 9/15/2026.
Employment (On-Campus, CPT, etc.)
- F-1 students who timely file an Extension of Stay (EOS) and already have work authorization, will automatically be allowed to continue working for up to 240 days. Your EOS must be submitted to USCIS before your I-20 program end date to be eligible for continued employment while pending the USCIS decision.
- Students who submit an EOS to USCIS after their I-20 program end date will not be allowed to work while the USCIS application is pending. Students can continue studying and will be able to begin work once USCIS approves the EOS.
- J-1 students with a DS-2019 are generally allowed to continue employment that is incidental to their status while the EOS is under review, up to 240 days.
- Alumni authorized for OPT or STEM OPT who travel and re-enter the U.S. after September 15 will be given a fixed I-94 Admit Until Date (AUD) instead of D/S. Generally, the new AUD will be the end date on your employment authorization document (EAD) plus the new 30-day grace period.
D/S Rulemaking Timeline
What has happened so far
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Proposed rule published
DHS proposed replacing Duration of Status with fixed admission periods.
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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.
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ISS completed initial review
ISS reviewed the final rule to understand the expected impact for F-1 and J-1 students, dependents, and campus partners.
What’s next
What to expect next
- 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. We will host Information Sessions for students, alumni, and campus partners.
- Before Sept. 15
ISS updates website and resources
ISS will update website information, advising materials, request forms, 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 will take effect on September 15, 2026, unless DHS publishes a notice changing the effective date or terminating the rule after congressional review.
Transition provisions
Students and alumni in the U.S. under D/S on September 15, 2026 will have a transition period.
Under the final rule, all F-1 and J-1 students who are in the U.S. and properly maintaining D/S status on September 15, 2026 will remain under D/S based on their current I-20, DS-2019, or Employment Authorization Document timeline, not to exceed 4 years. Under the provision, the 60-day legacy grace period will apply for students remaining in the U.S. under D/S.
D/S will end and students will be changed to the fixed-Admit Until Date (AUD) I-94 if you travel and re-enter the U.S., need to extend your program end date, change education levels, transfer to a new school, apply for OPT or STEM OPT, or change visa status. F-1 students remaining in the U.S. under D/S who apply or have a pending I-765 employment authorization application with USCIS on or before March 18, 2027 will not be required to file an Extension of Stay with USCIS but your I-94 will be updated to a fixed end date plus 30-day grace period once you receive employment authorization from USCIS.
Immigration processes that will be affected
Some processes will change once the rule takes effect.
Students are responsible for maintaining status. You will need to pay close attention to immigration timelines and deadlines as it relates to your academic program. This includes your I-94 Admit Until Date (AUD), I-20 or DS-2019 end date, grace period, travel & re-entry updates to your record, employment authorization periods and deadlines, as well as new extension of stay in the U.S. requirements.
- Program extensions if more time is needed to complete degree requirements
- 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
Review your documents and continue to monitor further ISS guidance.
- Check your I-94 once you are in the U.S. and confirm whether your admission period shows D/S or a fixed AUD.
- 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 continue to 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?
New and Current Students
Sessions for UW Seattle campus students attending classes autumn 2026
Alumni
Sessions for UW Seattle alumni on OPT, STEM OPT, or Academic Training
General
Beginning September 15, 2026, you will be admitted to the U.S. for a specific period of study instead of for duration of status (D/S). Your I-94 Admit Until Date (AUD) will be your I-20/DS-2019 program end date, not to exceed 4 years (whichever is earlier). The AUD will also include a 30-day grace period instead of a 60-day grace period. The AUD on your I-94 is the maximum time you will be allowed to stay in the U.S. without traveling & re-entering or applying for an Extension of Stay (EOS) to complete your program (if more than 4 years), transfer to another school, change of academic level, or change visa status.
The new regulations allow a transition provision which allows any F-1 or J-1 student present in the U.S. before September 15, to remain under Duration of Status (D/S). Students will retain D/S status through the end of their academic program or employment authorization as long as they are maintaining status and the program end date does not exceed 4 years. Students under D/S will also retain a 60-day grace period. Even if you remain under D/S, all F and J students will be subject to the new restrictions limiting changes to your educational objectives including major, degree level, and institution.
You must follow the new regulatory guidelines and will receive an updated I-94 with a fixed end date instead of D/S if you:
- Travel internationally after the new rules go into effect
- Need more time to complete your degree
- Apply for Optional Practical Training
- Plan to change your educational level
Regardless of whether you travel, the government will change all students to a fixed end date starting November 14, 2030.
The final rule will take effect September 15, 2026. Until then, current D/S rules remain. The effective date could change if the government delays implementation, Congress disapproves the rule, or a court intervenes, so you should continue to read emails sent by ISS and monitor the D/S hub for official updates on any delays or changes.
You do not need to take any action at this time. If you have upcoming international travel plans or you will be returning to the U.S., review the information about the new regulations and understand how traveling before or after September 15 might impact your entry. If you have any questions about upcoming academic changes, we recommend meeting with an ISS advisor to determine if any action is necessary before September 15.
Not immediately. If you are in the U.S. under D/S before September 15, your I-94 Admit Until Date will still indicate D/S. Any of the following actions, however, will result in the issuance of a new I-94 with a fixed AUD:
- Travel and re-entry on or after September 15, 2026
- Requesting an extension to your current academic program (I-20/DS-2019)
- Applying for OPT/STEM OPT after March 17, 2027
- Applying for Reinstatement
ISS generally send reminders and targeted guidance about I-20/DS-2019 program end dates using the data available to us. However, you are responsible for understanding and monitoring your immigration records and deadlines. This includes carefully reviewing and tracking your I-94 Admit Until Date and acting promptly to avoid violation of your F or J status before your period of authorized stay in the U.S. ends.
Yes. If you timely and properly file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS before your authorized period of stay expires, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. and continue your studies while USCIS reviews your application.
Academics
Under the new regulations, you will still need to submit an extension request to ISS with the reason you need an extension before your I-20 or DS-2019 ends. ISS will then issue you an extended I-20 or DS-2019, but the government now requires an additional step to review the extension. You will need to either:
- Use your ISS-extended I-20 or DS-2019 to file an Extension of Stay application with USCIS before the program end date; or
- Depart and seek readmission to the U.S. with your ISS-extended I-20 or DS-2019.
Plan early and contact ISS well before the AUD. Under the new policy, you will still need to submit an extension request to ISS with the reason you need an extension. ISS will then issue you an extended I-20 or DS-2019, but the government must now complete an additional step to review the extension. You will need to either
- Use your ISS-extended I-20 or DS-2019 to file an Extension of Stay application with USCIS before the AUD; or
- Depart and seek readmission to the U.S. with your ISS-issued extended I-20 or DS-2019.
The final rule creates new restrictions on some changes to your educational objective.
- If you are below the graduate level, you may not change your major during your first academic year.
- If you are a graduate student, you face stricter limits on changing your educational objectives and may not change your major or program at any point during your studies.
If you have questions about changing your major and whether the new regulations will impact you, meet with an ISS advisor to discuss your situation before you make any changes with your academic department.
The final rule creates new restrictions on your ability to transfer schools.
- If you are below the graduate level, you cannot transfer schools or change your academic program or level during your first academic year.
- If you are a graduate student, you cannot transfer programs at any time.
If you have questions about changing schools and whether the new regulations will impact you, meet with an ISS advisor to discuss your situation before taking any steps with the other school.
The rule limits your post-completion academic movement. After completing your program, you may pursue another program only at a higher educational level, subject to eligibility and timing requirements. You cannot start a new program at the same or lower educational level of your completed degree.
If you are in the U.S. before September 15 and your I-94 AUD remains D/S, you will keep the legacy 60-day grace period after completing your program under the transition provisions in the new regulations.
However, you will be subject to the new fixed AUD with a 30-day grace period if any of the following occur:
- Travel and reenter the U.S. any time on or after Sept. 15, 2026; or
- Apply for an Extension of Stay for more time, change of level, or transfer; or
- Apply for post-completion OPT after March 18, 2027
The D/S provision will not extend beyond Nov. 14, 2030, regardless of your prior D/S admission. Consult ISS before you make travel plans or request additional time to complete your program so we can help you understand which grace period applies.
If you are admitted to the U.S. under a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD), your I-94 will have a fixed end date plus a 30-day grace period. This means you have 30 days after completing your program to depart the U.S., apply for post-completion OPT, transfer if eligible, change to a higher degree level at UW, or change status.
If your degree program is more than 4 years, you will be admitted to the U.S. for a maximum authorized period of stay of 4 years plus a 30-day grace period. To continue your degree program beyond 4 years, you will need to file an Extension of Stay with USCIS before the AUD or you can travel and reenter the U.S. to establish a new I-94 AUD plus grace period that matches your I-20/DS-2019 end date.
Employment
The rule does not change the standard F-1 employment categories, but it makes timing more important. Your employment authorization cannot extend beyond your valid status or authorized period of stay in the U.S. If you apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) before your I-20 program end date, the new rule allows automatic employment authorization for up to 240 days while USCIS reviews your EOS application. Before continuing work, consult ISS regarding employment eligibility if you have a pending EOS.
Yes, you can continue working on campus if you file an EOS application before your I-20 or DS-2019 end date and you are otherwise eligible for on-campus employment. Under the new rules, USCIS automatically extends your authorization for on-campus employment for up to 240 days while it reviews your EOS application. However, if you file your EOS application after your program end date but during the 30-day grace period, you will not receive automatic work authorization and may not work while USCIS reviews your application.
You must stop working if USCIS denies your EOS, if your 240-day period ends before USCIS makes a decision, or if you are otherwise no longer eligible for on-campus employment.
The final published rule does not address this issue. We need further clarification to determine whether this will be possible.
If you are in the U.S. under D/S status on Sept. 15, 2026, and timely file Form I-765 for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT on or before March 18, 2027, you will not be required to file a separate EOS application. Under the D/S transition provisions, you will only be required to file Form I-765 for your requested OPT or STEM OPT period of stay. Once approved, your employment end date on the EAD card will replace D/S under the new rules.
However, D/S will no longer apply and you will become subject to the new fixed-AUD policy which will require you to file both an OPT/STEM OPT and EOS application with USCIS if you:
- Travel and reenter the U.S. on or after Sept. 15, 2026, including while on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT; or
- File for Post-completion OPT or STEM OPT after March 18, 2027.
The D/S transition provisions will not extend beyond Nov. 14, 2030 for all F-1 and J-1 students, regardless of your prior D/S admission.
Yes, if you entered the U.S. any time on or after Sept. 15 and you were given a date-specific I-94 AUD that does not include your requested period of work authorization, you will be required to file an Extension of Stay as well as the I-765 for OPT or STEM OPT.
The final rule preserves the general H-1B cap-gap policy. If you are on OPT or STEM OPT, you should still coordinate early with ISS, your employer, and immigration lawyers because a fixed AUD can create additional timing considerations.
Travel
If you travel internationally and are readmitted to the U.S. on or after Sept. 15, 2026, you will receive a new I-94 with a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) that includes a 30-day departure period. Entering the U.S. under the new rules will change your AUD from D/S to the new fixed-date policy based on your program end date. Nothing else has changed and traveling internationally after Sept. 15 does not necessarily create more risk. Before you travel, always review your passport, visa, travel signature, and I-20 or DS-2019 dates to make sure all are valid. If you have additional concerns or pending USCIS applications, consult ISS about your intended timeline for further guidance.
Departing and returning to the U.S. always carries some risk because CBP does not guarantee re-entry. However, the government allows this option while your extension of stay (EOS) application remains pending. Under the new rules, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may review and approve your re-entry at a Port of Entry based on your extended I-20. If CBP readmits you and issues a new I-94 with a fixed AUD, USCIS will close your pending EOS application. If you have concerns about traveling with a pending USCIS Extension of Stay application, meet with an ISS advisor before finalizing your travel plans.
When CBP admits you under the new fixed-Admit Until Date (AUD) rules, it will issue your I-94 AUD through the program end date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed four years, plus a 30-day grace period.
For travel and entry to the U.S. starting on Sept. 15, 2026, your I-94 should show:
- Class of Admission: F-1 or J-1
- Admit Until Date: a fixed date, not to exceed 4 years
If your I-94 does not match this, contact ISS promptly before taking action.
The UW issues I-20s for the estimated time students need to complete all degree requirements for their programs. The new rule does not change how long the UW may issue an I-20 for a degree program. Under the new regulations, the authorized period of stay in the U.S. cannot exceed 4 years plus a 30-day grace period, even if your academic program is longer than that. The new regulation does not mean you must complete your degree in 4 years. It simply means the government wants F-1 and J-1 students to verify they are maintaining status and have a reason to stay longer than 4 years in the U.S. through either applying to USCIS for an Extension of Stay (EOS) or traveling and re-entering to receive an updated I-94 AUD that matches the program end date on your I-20/DS-2019, plus the 30-day grace period.
If you started a PhD program in Sept 2023 and your current program I-20/DS-2019 end date is June 9, 2028, when you travel and re-enter the U.S. under the new policy, your I-94 AUD should be July 9, 2028. Even though your full program lasts more than four years, CBP will admit you to the U.S. through the end of your program plus a 30-day grace period.
If you are starting a PhD program this September and your current I-20/DS-2019 program is June 13, 2031, your I-94 AUD will be Oct. 30, 2030 if you travel to the U.S. on or after September 15. You will be able to extend your stay by either traveling and re-entering the U.S. or applying to USCIS for an extension of stay any time before Oct. 2030.
Whenever you travel internationally during your studies in the U.S., CBP will update your I-94 when you re-enter. Your I-94 will show an AUD based on whichever period is shorter: your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date plus a 30-day grace period, or a maximum of four years.
No. This new rule and the fixed-date AUD do not change your visa’s expiration date or the policies governing how long you may remain in the U.S. after your visa expires. You must present the F-1 or J-1 visa stamp issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to enter the U.S. A valid visa allows you to request admission at a Port of Entry, where a CBP officer decides whether to admit you. After entry, your I-94 with either D/S or the new fixed AUD determines how long you may remain in the U.S. in F or J status.
Your status does not automatically end if your visa expires while you are in the U.S. However, you must obtain a new visa if you leave and plan to re-enter the U.S. Although you may remain in the U.S. with an expired visa, an expired or incorrect I-94 entry record or Form I-20/DS-2019 can jeopardize your F or J status. Contact ISS immediately if your I-94 has expired or contains incorrect information.
New Students (Autumn 2026)
It is not necessary for you to change your plans solely because you plan to arrive after Sept. 15 ,2026. If you are admitted on or after Sept. 15, 2026, you should expect your I-94 to show a fixed Admit Until Date instead of D/S.
