The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule changing how F and J nonimmigrants are admitted to and maintain status in the United States. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
Important Immigration Policy Update
Beginning September 15, 2026, DHS will replace the longstanding Duration of Status (D/S) admission framework for F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 nonimmigrants with a system that assigns a specific expiration date to an individual's authorized period of stay.
International students and scholars should carefully review their immigration documents, travel plans and program end dates as the implementation date approaches.
What is changing?
Under the new rule, F and J nonimmigrants entering or reentering the United States on or after September 15, 2026 will generally receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their Form I-94 rather than the notation "D/S."
The authorized period will generally correspond with the program end date listed on the individual's Form I-20 or DS-2019, subject to a maximum admission period of four years.
Fixed Admission Period
F and J nonimmigrants will receive a specific expiration date for their authorized stay rather than remaining admitted for Duration of Status.
Extension of Stay
Individuals who need additional time beyond their authorized period may need to request an Extension of Stay from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Travel Matters
Leaving and reentering the United States after the rule takes effect may change an individual's admission period and grace period.
Key Provisions
Fixed admission dates on Form I-94
For admissions or changes to F or J status on or after September 15, 2026, individuals will generally be admitted until a specific date shown on their Form I-94.
The admission period will generally be based on the program end date listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019 and may not exceed four years, followed by the applicable departure preparation period.
Students and scholars should check their Form I-94 after every entry into the United States and make sure the information is accurate.
Changes to the F-1 grace period
F-1 students admitted or readmitted under the new fixed-period system will generally receive a 30-day grace period following completion of their authorized program or practical training.
Certain F-1 students who are already present in the United States under D/S when the rule takes effect may continue to qualify for the existing 60-day grace period under the transition rules.
J-1 students and scholars continue to have a 30-day grace period.
Extension of Stay requirements
An individual who needs to remain in the United States beyond their authorized admission date may be required to submit an Extension of Stay application to USCIS.
This may apply when additional time is needed for reasons such as:
- Completing an academic program;
- Extending a program end date;
- Participating in post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT);
- Participating in STEM OPT;
- Participating in J-1 Academic Training;
- Moving to another academic level when permitted; or
- Other circumstances requiring additional authorized stay.
Depending on the individual's circumstances, this process may include filing Form I-539 with USCIS and paying the applicable filing fee. Biometrics or an interview may also be required.
Restrictions on changing programs or schools
The final rule creates additional restrictions for certain F-1 students who want to change educational objectives or transfer to another institution.
- Undergraduate students: Generally must complete one full academic year before changing their educational objective or transferring to another institution, unless an exception is approved for qualifying extenuating circumstances.
- Graduate students: Generally may not change their educational objective or transfer institutions during their program of study under the new rule.
Students considering a change of major, degree level or institution should speak with an international student advisor before taking action.
Limits on pursuing another degree at the same or lower level
Under the new rule, an F-1 student who completes a program at one educational level generally may not begin another F-1 program at the same or a lower educational level.
Students considering an additional degree should discuss their circumstances with an international student advisor.
Students and Scholars Currently in the United States
DHS has established transition provisions for F and J nonimmigrants who are already in the United States and whose Form I-94 shows D/S when the rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.
These individuals generally will not receive a new I-94 automatically. Instead, their authorized period will be determined under the transition provisions.
| Situation on September 15, 2026 | General Transition Rule |
|---|---|
| F-1 student with an I-20 ending less than four years after September 15, 2026 | Generally remains under the transition provisions through the I-20 program end date, with the applicable grace period. |
| F-1 student with an I-20 ending more than four years after September 15, 2026 | Transitional authorized stay generally cannot extend beyond November 14, 2030. |
| J-1 student or scholar with a DS-2019 ending less than four years after September 15, 2026 | Generally remains under the transition provisions through the DS-2019 program end date, with the applicable grace period. |
| J-1 student or scholar with a DS-2019 ending more than four years after September 15, 2026 | Transitional authorized stay generally cannot extend beyond October 15, 2030. |
| F-1 student currently authorized for OPT or STEM OPT | Generally remains authorized through the EAD end date, subject to the applicable transition provisions and grace period. |
Travel can affect your transition status. An individual who leaves the United States and reenters on or after September 15, 2026 will generally receive a new I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date and become subject to the fixed-period admission framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this change the dates on my current I-20 or DS-2019?
No. The rule itself does not change the program dates currently printed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
However, your immigration status and the date through which you are authorized to remain in the United States may also depend on your Form I-94 and the new transition rules.
Does this change the expiration date on my F or J visa?
The rule does not automatically change the expiration date printed on an existing F or J visa.
Remember that a visa is primarily used to request entry into the United States. Your authorized period of stay after admission is reflected by your immigration status and Form I-94.
What happens if I travel after September 15, 2026?
F and J students, scholars and dependents who enter or reenter the United States on or after September 15, 2026 will generally receive a Form I-94 containing a specific Admit Until Date rather than D/S.
Because international travel may affect your immigration status, grace period and future extension requirements, students and scholars are strongly encouraged to speak with an international student or scholar advisor before traveling.
What if I need more time to finish my degree?
After the new rule takes effect, obtaining an updated I-20 or DS-2019 may not by itself extend the period you are authorized to remain in the United States.
If additional time is needed beyond your authorized admission period, you may also need to file an Extension of Stay request with USCIS. Students should begin discussing program extensions with their international student advisor well before their immigration documents expire.
How does this affect OPT?
The final rule includes transition provisions affecting post-completion OPT applications.
Certain students who remain in D/S during the transition period may be able to use the existing OPT application process. Students who receive a fixed Admit Until Date, including some students who travel and reenter the United States after September 15, may also need to request an Extension of Stay in connection with OPT.
Students approaching graduation should speak with an international student advisor before submitting an OPT application or making international travel plans.
How does this affect STEM OPT?
Similar transition rules apply to STEM OPT. The requirements may differ depending on whether a student remains admitted under D/S or receives a fixed Admit Until Date after the rule becomes effective.
Students preparing to apply for STEM OPT should review their I-94 and discuss their specific situation with an international student advisor.
What should I do with my Form I-94?
Students and scholars should make a habit of reviewing their Form I-94 after every entry into the United States.
Beginning September 15, 2026, the I-94 will become especially important because many F and J travelers will receive a specific Admit Until Date. That date may determine when an Extension of Stay request must be filed.
What You Should Do Now
- Review the expiration date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- Review your most recent Form I-94 and determine whether it currently shows D/S.
- Speak with an international student or scholar advisor if you expect to need additional time to complete your program.
- Discuss international travel plans with an advisor, particularly if you expect to travel on or after September 15, 2026.
- Students approaching graduation should seek guidance about how the new rule may affect OPT or STEM OPT.
- Continue monitoring SUNY Poly and federal immigration resources for implementation updates.
Have Questions About Your Immigration Status?
Immigration circumstances vary from person to person. International students and scholars who have questions about how this rule applies to their specific situation should contact SUNY Poly's international student services before making changes to their academic program, immigration status or international travel plans.
Federal Resources
For additional information, review the official federal guidance:
