What is changing?
Currently, most F-1 and J-1 students are admitted to the U.S. for a time referred to as Duration of Status (D/S). This is marked by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival on the I-94 and allows F-1 and J-1 students to stay in the U.S. as long as they maintain their immigration status through full-time registration or approved Optional Practical Training (OPT). Currently, time is added to the I-20 or DS-2019 through program extensions, OPT requests, and Academic Training approvals, allowing students to remain in the U.S. until the end date on their I-20 or DS-2019.
Beginning September 15, 2026, students and scholars entering the U.S. will instead be admitted until a specific end date assigned by CBP upon arrival in the U.S. and visible on their Form I-94. In most cases, this date will match the current program end date on the Form I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years from their most recent date of entry.
Other Changes Beginning September 15, 2026
- Students who need more time to complete their program (beyond the current program end date on their I-20 or DS-2019) will need to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay (EOS) using Form I-539.
- The F-1 grace period after program completion will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
- Students applying for OPT or STEM OPT will generally need to file both Form I-765 and Form I-539 for the EOS. (Students currently in the U.S. who have not received a new I-94 after September 15, 2026, will be allowed to apply for OPT without the Form I-539 until March 15, 2027.)
- Undergraduate students will not be allowed to transfer schools during their first year.
- Students pursuing another degree in the U.S. must move to a higher degree level, i.e., they must start a master’s degree after completing a bachelor’s degree.
- Graduate students will not be allowed to transfer schools or change their major during their degree program.
The International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) team is continuing to review the new regulations and will share more information as guidance becomes available. Please be on the lookout for future emails, town halls and other informational updates from ISSS regarding this policy change. If you have questions about how these changes may affect you, please contact your ISSS advisor.
For more information:
- NAFSA Final Ruling Analysis
- Study in the States: Elimination of Duration of Status Quick Facts
- Read the Publication in the Federal Register
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.