FAQs
I have been in the U.S. for more than 4 years. Does that mean I need to leave?
No, the Fixed Period of Admission will be starting on September 15, 2026. Going forward from that date, F-1 and J-1 students entering the U.S. will be admitted to a specific end date of either the program end date on their I-20 or DS-2019 OR four years, whichever is sooner. The limit of four years does not apply to the years you have already been in the U.S.
What if my program takes longer than four years (for example, a PhD)?
If you need more time to finish your program, you have two options:
- Apply for an extension of stay with USCIS by filing Form I-539. The current filing fee is $420 online or $470 by mail. Extensions are approved only for the additional time you need to complete your program, not for another full four years. PhD students may need to apply for more than one extension during their program.
- Travel outside the U.S. and return using your extended I-20 or DS-2019. To do this, you must have a valid visa and must not be affected by any U.S. travel bans or restrictions.
Can I transfer schools or change my academic program?
The new rule limits when students can transfer schools or change academic programs.
- Undergraduate students cannot transfer to another school or change programs during their first year, unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approves an exception for special circumstances.
- Graduate students cannot transfer schools or change academic programs while completing their degree.
Can I earn another degree at the same level?
No. After completing a degree, F-1 and J-1 students may only continue to a higher degree level. They cannot begin another degree at the same or a lower level, e.g., they cannot pursue an associate’s degree or a second bachelor’s degree after completing a bachelor’s degree.
How will this affect OPT?
It depends on when you apply.
- If you are already in the U.S. with a Duration of Status (D/S) admission on your I-94 before September 15, 2026, and you apply for OPT before March 15, 2027, you only need to file Form I-765 (the standard OPT application).
- If you apply more than six months after the rule takes effect (on or after March 15, 2027), you will need to file both Form I-765 and Form I-539, along with the required fees.
- If you leave the U.S. and re-enter after the rule takes effect, you will need to file both Form I-765 and Form I-539, regardless of when you apply for OPT.
What is an Admit Until Date (AUD)?
The Admit Until Date (AUD) is the exact calendar date your authorized stay in the United States legally ends. Found on your I-94 record, it is determined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you are admitted to the U.S. or if your Extension of Stay application (EOS I-539) is approved by U.S. Citizenship or by Immigration Service (USCIS).
Where can I find my new Admit Until Date (AUD)?
When entering the U.S. after September 15th 2026, your new AUD date will be displayed on your I-94. For students who were admitted prior to September 15th, 2026, the AUD date will display D/S for Duration of Status. Students who only have an I-94 displaying D/S will have an AUD Date equal to their Program End Date found on their I-20/DS-2019 plus 30 days OR 4 years, whichever is shorter.
How is an AUD different from a Program End Date on the I-20 or DS-2019?
The Program End Date on an I-20/DS-2019 reflects the expected completion date of a student’s academic or exchange program. The AUD reflects the last date a student is authorized to remain in the U.S. without taking action to extend their stay.
Is an AUD different from a visa expiration date?
Yes. The visa is only used to enter the U.S. The end date displayed on the visa is the last day for eligibility to enter the U.S.
Is there a grace period included in the AUD?
Yes, the AUD will include a 30-day grace period for both F and J students.
Is travel allowed under the new rule?
Yes. Travel remains an option and the student’s personal choice. In addition to monitoring end dates on passports, visas, and I-20/DS-2019, F-1 and J-1 students will need to download the newest I-94 record from the CBP website after each entry into the U.S. Students must be aware of their I-94 Admit Until Date (AUD).
What is the difference between a program extension and an Extension of Stay (EOS I-539)?
A program extension is requested through the USU ISSS portal and processed by your DSO at USU. This will extend the program end date only on your I-20 or DS-2019.
The EOS is requested through U.S. Citizenship or by Immigration Service (USCIS) to extend the Admit Until Date (AUD) found on your I-94.
The EOS application to USCIS can only be submitted after you have been approved for a program extension and have received your new I-20 or DS-2019.
If I’ve already submitted an EOS application, can I remain in the U.S.?
Yes. Students will be allowed to continue their studies in the U.S. if they have a pending EOS application with USCIS.
If I’ve already submitted an EOS application, can I continue my on-campus job?
Yes. If you have filed an Extension of Stay (EOS) application before your I-94 Admit Until Date, you are given an automatic 240-day extension of on-campus employment authorization.
How long will USCIS take to process an Extension of Stay (EOS I-539)?
This is a new process for both USCIS and students. There is no established timeline yet for reference.
What happens if USCIS denies an EOS application?
If USCIS denies the extension of stay application, the F or J applicant will receive written notification of the denial. The denial decision cannot be appealed. Students, scholars, and any dependents must depart the U.S. according to their original AUD or immediately if that date has passed. There is no grace period to depart.