International Student Services | End of D/S Communications

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    7/20/26 End of D/S Communications

    On July 17, 2026, the final rule change to end Duration of Status (D/S) for several J, F, M, and I visa holders was posted in the and is expected to become law on September 15, 2026. We know this raises many questions, and we are working with other professionals and immigration attorneys to provide the most important details and how it will affect both current and future visa holders. 

    Please return to /studentservices/iss/ds-final-rule.htm to check for any new announcements/updates. 

    Currently: 

    • No action is required at this time based solely on the announcement.
    • Continue following your current F-1/J-1/OPT requirements, including reporting obligations.
    • Our ISGSS office will share updates if DHS or SEVP requires any action from F-1 students.
    • Our office advises only on F-1/J-1 regulations. Consult an immigration attorney for questions about other visa types.
    • Once we have more information, we will be holding regular Q&A Sessions via Zoom. We will communicate that information to all active F and J visa holders ASAP.

    Summary

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations to change the admission period in the F, J, and I classifications from duration of status to an admission for a fixed time period, and additional changes to admission and extension requirements. This rule has been classified as a major rule subject to congressional review. The effective date of the new rule is September 15, 2026. 

    During the final rule implementation period from July 17, 2026 through September 14, 2026, all SEVIS and USCIS processes will remain the same as they are now.

    For current ACTIVE F-1 and J-1 visa holders and their dependents who are already in the US (in their academic program, on OPT, or on STEM OPT) before September 15, 2026, there will be a transition period (up to 4 years).

    Important Transition Period Information

    • The transition period can last up to 4 years for these individuals
    • The transition period will allow students or scholars to complete the academic program listed on their current I-20/DS-2019 with D/S until the program end date or 4 years after the effective date of the rule, whichever comes first. After finishing that program, students or scholars may only apply for a new academic program at a higher level by filing for an extension of stay (I-539) within the US or obtain a new I-20 or DS-2019 and re-enter the US. The new program will be subject to a fixed admission date.
    • If a F-1 visa holder has timely filed Form I-765 for post-completion OPT or a STEM OPT extension on or before March 18, 2027, there will not be a requirement to file an EOS application.  However, if they depart the US before filing Form I-765 for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, and are subsequently admitted to the US with a fixed period of admission, they will be required to file both Form I-765 and an EOS Form I-539. 
    • The H-1B cap-gap provisions are not changing due to this rulemaking; therefore, the H-1B cycle should not be affected by this rule.

    Leaving the U.S / Travel

    • F and J visa holders who travel and enter or re-enter the US on or after September 15, 2026 will not receive the benefits of the transition period.
      • If you depart the US and re-enter after 9/15/26, you will receive a new I-94 with a fixed admission date (AUS) instead of D/S.
    • I-94s for individuals currently within the US on 9/15/26 do not need to be corrected to a fixed admission date (AUS) 

    Important reminders

    • There is a 60 day grace period before the changes go into effect. Everything will remain the SAME until September 15, 2026.
    • There is a 6 month OPT filing grace period for current F/J visa holders inside the US.
    • There will be a 30 day grace period after F-1 status completion (instead of 60 days).

    Limitations to changing educational objectives effective September 15, 2026

    • Transfers to another school or program will not be allowed during the first year of a UG student’s academic program (unless approved by USCIS)
    • Transfers to another school or degree program will not be allowed at all during graduate studies (unless approved by USCIS)
    • 4 year implementation period to ease the transition for currently active F-1 and J-1s

    No lateral or reverse matriculation

    • Students may not complete another academic degree at the same level
      • No second bachelor’s degrees or second master’s degrees
      • Students MAY matriculate to another level

    More information about the final rule

    • (7/17/26)

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