The Office of International Education actively reviews any new rules from the Department of Homeland Security and communicates all changes or implications. You can find the latest updates here.
A final rule published by the Department of Homeland Security on July 17 eliminates “Duration of Status” (D/S) for individuals in F/J status, including students with OPT authorization. The effective date for this new rule is September 15, 2026, unless litigation or a Congressional review occurs.
Changes do not go into effect until September 15. The changes are not retroactive.
There is a transition period for students, scholars, and dependents who are in the US with D/S on the effective date of the new rule, provided they remain in the US. These individuals will be transitioned to a fixed date of admission, which will be the current program end date on the I-20, DS-2019, or EAD plus grace period (not to exceed four years from the final rule effective date). Travel and reentry after September 15 will result in a fixed admission date on reentry.
Key Changes Include:
- Replaces Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed end date on the I-94 for individuals in F or J status. Students who are in the US with D/S when the new rule goes into effect will be granted a transition period.
- Limits periods of stay to a maximum of four years plus a 30-day grace period, with the possibility of requesting an extension, and reduces the F-1 grace period from 60 days to 30 days.
- Prevents undergraduate students from changing their major or transferring to another school during their first academic year.
- Prohibits graduate students from changing programs at any point during their program of study or from transferring (exceptions can be requested from SEVP).
- Prohibits students from pursuing another program at the same or a lower educational level. For example, an F-1 student who graduates from a master’s program would then be eligible for doctoral study (higher level) but not for a second master’s (same level) or a bachelor’s program (lower level).
- Requires students and scholars who need additional time to complete program requirements to apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay (EOS) after first working with OIE for an I-20/DS-2019 update to show the later program end date.
- Requires those applying for OPT or STEM OPT to also file for an extension of stay with USCIS.*
*There is a transition period for students who are currently in the US and who will file for OPT or STEM OPT within six months of September 15.
OIE is actively reviewing the new rule and will continue communicating changes and implications. This is a significant change to F/J status. Students and scholars will need to carefully monitor their status and admit until date under the new rule.
Action to Take Now
- Program of Study: Check that the program of study on your I-20/DS-2019 is correct. This is especially important if you recently completed a change of major. If the major is not correct or if you have questions, reach out to the OIE.
- Program End Date: If you do not expect to graduate by the program end date listed on your I-20, reach out to the OIE.
- International Travel: Active students should plan to return to the US by August 24 for the start of classes. Those who are considering international travel after September 15 should understand that they will return with fixed date admission (not D/S) and will need to file an Extension of Stay with any OPT application.
We know changes can cause uncertainty and anxiety, and we want students and scholars to know that OIE staff are here to support you. You can join information sessions to ask questions. If you have a time-sensitive question, please reach out to the OIE.
The next virtual information session on IUP Elimination of D/S Virtual is on Wednesday, July 29 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET.
Join us on Zoom.
Additional Resources
Elimination of Duration of Status Quick Facts | Study in the States
Elimination of Duration of Status Frequently Asked Questions | Study in the States