Students Studying in The United States Guidance on New DHS Rule

Previously, F-1/J-1 students, alumni, and J-1 scholars, and their F-2/J-2 dependent family members, were admitted to the U.S. for Duration of Status (D/S), meaning they could remain in the U.S. through the end date on their I-20/DS-2019 (and the end date of any post-completion OPT EAD), plus any applicable grace period, as long as they maintained status. 

Effective September 15, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule eliminating the D/S notation and replacing it with a fixed period of admission. Instead of “D/S,” your Form I-94 will show a specific calendar date; an “Admit Until Date” (AUD). Your authorized length of stay will be limited to the length of your program as defined on your I-20/DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years, plus the applicable grace period. 

If you need more time to complete your program or academic objectives, apply for employment authorization, or begin a new program, you will generally need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application (Form I-539) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Important: if you remain in the U.S. beyond your AUD without taking timely action to file an Extension of Stay (I-539) with USCIS, you will begin accruing unlawful presence. 

The new regulation also introduces new requirements and restrictions related to changes of education level, changes of program of study, transfers to a new institution, and the F-1 grace period following completion of a program. 

Additionally, the regulation reduces the F-1 grace period from 60-days to 30-days. 

The formal title of the final rule is: “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.” 

Last updated 7/21/2026 

Most students, alumni, and scholars do not need to take immediate action. Your next steps depend on whether you’re inside the U.S. by September 14, 2026 and what your most recent I-94 shows.  

Last updated 7/20/2026 

No. The regulation changes your authorized period of stay in the U.S., not the validity of your visa stamp. A visa lets you request entry to the U.S.; it does not govern how long you can remain once admitted. 

Last updated 7/20/2026 

The regulation applies to all F-1/J-1 students and alumni and scholars, but there are transition provisions for certain groups. 

Generally: 

• F-1/J-1 students and alumni & J-1 scholars who are physically present in the U.S. on September 14, 2026, and whose most recent I-94 shows D/S may qualify for transition provisions.
  • International travel: If you travel outside of the U.S. at any point on or after September 15, 2026, you will forfeit these transition benefits. Upon re-entry, you will be subject to the new rule and given a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94. 
• F-1/J-1 students and alumni & J-1 scholars who enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 will be admitted for a fixed period and receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their I-94. 

Please review “Transition Provisions” below to learn more.

Last updated 7/23/2026 

The U.S. immigration system uses many forms with letter-and-number names. The table below explains the most common documents and forms used by international students and scholars, who use them, and why they are important. 
 

Last updated 7/23/2026 

For entries to the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, the Admit Until Date (AUD) is the specific date through which an individual in F or J status is authorized to remain in the U.S., based on their current I-94. This date is generally set as the Form I-20/DS-2019 end date (or OPT EAD end date), up to a maximum of 4 years (whichever is shorter), plus any applicable grace period. 

Once the AUD passes, F/J individuals are no longer considered lawfully present in the U.S. To avoid unlawful presence, you must either depart the country or take the necessary steps to extend or maintain your status before the AUD arrives. 

Last updated 7/23/2026 

The I-94, issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is your official record of entry that documents your authorized period of stay. You can access and print your most recent I-94 record at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Under the “Admit Until Date” (AUD) you will see either:  

• D/S (Duration of Status), for entries before September 15, 2026, or 
• A specific date through which you are authorized to remain in the U.S., known as your Admit Until Date (AUD), for entries on or after September 15, 2026 
  • The AUD will be your Form I-20/DS-2019 end date (or OPT EAD end date), up to a maximum of 4 years (whichever is shorter), plus the applicable grace period 

Last updated 7/23/2026 

An incorrect I-94 record can affect your immigration status and future immigration benefits, so it is important to address any issues promptly. 

Review OGS’ website on “How Can I Correct my I-94 Record?” for instructions. You may contact OGS if you have any trouble with this process.  

Tip: Save a copy of your I-94 each time you enter the United States. Reviewing it after every entry allows you to identify and address any errors early. 

Last updated 7/20/2026 

An Extension of Stay (EOS) is an application (Form I-539) submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request additional time in the United States beyond the Admit Until Date (AUD) listed on your I-94. 

More detailed information about applying for an EOS will be published soon. 

Last updated 7/20/2026 

The transition provisions apply to current F-1/J-1 students, alumni, and J-1 scholars, who are inside the U.S. with a Duration of Status (D/S) notation on their I-94 on or before September 14, 2026.  

Please note that F-2/J-2 dependents qualify for these transition provisions only if their associated F-1/J-1 principal also qualifies. 

Important: If you travel outside of the U.S. at any point on or after September 15, 2026, you will forfeit these transition benefits. Upon re-entry, you will be subject to the new rule and given a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94.

Last updated July 23, 2026 

You will be eligible for the transition provisions if you are inside the U.S. on or before September 14, 2026.  

• Your Form I-94 will reflect “D/S” (Duration of Status) rather than a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD). 
• F-1 students will retain the 60-day grace period. The 30-day J-1 grace period remains unchanged. 
• You may continue in your current academic program/academic activities in the U.S. until: 
  • Your current I-20/DS-2019 end date (up to a maximum of 4 years) plus the applicable grace period or 
  • Your current OPT/STEM OPT EAD expiration date plus the applicable grace period 
• International travel: If you travel outside of the U.S. at any point on or after September 15, 2026, you will forfeit these transition benefits. Upon re-entry, you will be subject to the new rule and given a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94. 

Last updated July 23, 2026 

No, you are not eligible for the transition provisions if you enter or re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026. You will be subject to the new fixed period of admission rules.

Last updated July 23, 2026 

Review the Transition Provisions section above if you will be in the U.S. with F-1/J-1 status on or before September 14, 2026. If you enter or re-enter the U.S. any time on or after September 15, 2026, please read the information below.

If you enter or re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, you will be admitted to the U.S. with a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94. This AUD is the specific date through which you are authorized to remain in the U.S. in F/J status, based on your current I-94. This period of time will generally be equal to the end date on your I-20/DS-2019, plus a 30-day grace period. 

There is a maximum duration of 4 years, so if your I-20/DS-2019 end date is more than 4 years into the future, you may need to extend your AUD to continue in your academic program. 

Last updated July 23, 2026 

Review the Transition Provisions section above if you will be in the U.S. with F-1/J-1 status on or before September 14, 2026. If you re-enter the U.S. any time on or after September 15, 2026, please read the information below. 

If you travel and re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 (even if you were inside the U.S. on September 14, 2026), you will be re-admitted to the U.S. with a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94. Your AUD will generally be your I-20/DS-2019 end date plus a 30-day grace period. If your I-20/DS-2019 is longer than 4 years, you will be re-admitted for a maximum of 4 years plus a 30-day grace period. 

After each re-entry to the U.S., you should review your I-94 record to confirm that your entry information and Admit Until Date (AUD) are correct. 

You must also continue to follow all other travel guidelines that we provide on the international travel page of our website. 

Last updated July 23, 2026 

If you require additional time to complete your program you will generally need to request an updated I-20/DS-2019 that reflects your actual program end date and either:  

• file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS, or 
• depart the U.S. and re-enter to receive a new AUD.  

OGS will provide more guidance as implementation details become available. 

Last updated July 23, 2026 

F-1 Undergraduate Students can only change their major after completing their first year of study. 

F-1 Graduate Students may not change majors/academic programs at any point during their degree.  

The final rule does not reference any changes to existing regulations for J-1 students regarding change of majors or academic programs.

Last updated July 23, 2026 

Yes, F-1 students may still matriculate to a higher degree level after first completing their current degree.  

However, lateral progression and downward progression will not be permitted for programs completed on or after September 15, 2026. 

• e.g. completing a second Master’s after the completion of a first Master’s will not be permitted 
• e.g. completing a Bachelor’s after the completion of a Master’s degree will not be permitted 

There are no changes to existing rules for J-1 students regarding matriculating to a higher degree level.

OGS will provide more guidance as implementation details become available. 

Last updated July 23, 2026 

F-1 Undergraduate Students can only request a SEVIS transfer to another academic institution after completing their first year of study. 

F-1 Graduate Students may request a SEVIS transfer to a higher educational level after completing their current program of study. 

There are no changes to existing rules for J-1 students regarding SEVIS transfers.

OGS will provide more guidance as implementation details become available. 

Last updated July 23, 2026 

After completing a program of study (including any authorized practical training), you are granted a grace period. During this time, you prepare to leave the U.S., transfer to another school, continue your studies at a higher education level, or apply for a change of status. 

• J-1 students retain the existing 30-day grace period 
• F-1 students/alumni will be granted a 30-day grace period (previously 60-days) 
  • Exception for F-1 students/alumni: If you qualify for the transition provisions outlined above, you will retain your original 60-day grace period.  

Last updated July 23, 2026 

 The new regulation does not directly affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT, or Academic Training (AT). F-1 students may still apply for OPT and, if eligible, the STEM OPT extension; J-1 students may still apply for AT. 

J-1 Students/Alumni Applying for Post-Completion AT 

• You may need to file an I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS concurrently with your AT request to OGS 

F-1 Students Applying for Post-OPT 

• You may need to file an I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS concurrently with your OPT application  

F-1 Alumni Applying for STEM OPT 

• You may need to file an I-539 Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS concurrently with your STEM OPT application 

Exceptions for those who qualify for transition provisions:  

• F-1 students/alumni who qualify for the transition provisions as outlined above and apply for OPT/STEM OPT on or before March 18, 2027 will not be required to submit an EOS application to USCIS. They will also retain their original 60-day grace period. 

OGS will provide more guidance as implementation details become available. 

Last updated July 23, 2026

Review the Transition Provisions section above if you will be in the U.S. with F-1/J-1 status on or before September 14, 2026. If you travel and re-enter the U.S. any time on or after September 15, 2026, please read the information below. 

As a reminder, OGS advises that students/alumni should not travel outside of the U.S. while their OPT/STEM OPT is pending. 

If you re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 (even if you were inside the U.S. on September 14, 2026), you will be re-admitted to the U.S. with a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94. Your AUD will generally be your OPT/STEM OPT EAD expiration date plus the 30-day grace period. 

After each entry to the United States, you should review your I-94 record to confirm that your entry information and Admit Until Date (AUD) are correct. 

You must also continue to follow all other travel guidelines that we provide on the international travel page of our website. 

OGS will provide more guidance, including for individuals with pending H-1B applications with Cap-Gap Extension eligibility, as implementation details become available. 

Last updated July 23, 2026 

Review the Transition Provisions section above if you will be in the U.S. with J-1 status on or before September 14, 2026. If you enter or re-enter the U.S. any time after September 15, 2026, please read the information below.

If you enter or re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, you will be admitted to the U.S. with a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94. This AUD is the specific date through which you are authorized to remain in the U.S. in J-1 status, based on your current I-94. This period of time will generally be equal to the end date on your DS-2019, plus a 30-day grace period, up to a maximum of 4 years.  

Please note that the maximum J-1 program durations for each J-1 category remain unchanged.

Last updated July 23, 2026

If your host department will be extending your NU appointment/position, your host department’s HR contact will first initiate a DS-2019 program extension recommendation request with OGS.  

Receiving a DS-2019 with an extension recommendation does not extend your AUD. After receiving your updated DS-2019 from OGS, you will generally need to either: 

• file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS, or 
• depart the U.S. and re-enter to receive a new AUD. 

OGS will provide more guidance as implementation details become available. 

Last updated July 23, 2026

You may be eligible to request a SEVIS transfer to another academic institution.  

J-1 scholars should continue to follow the existing transfer procedures and contact OGS before making any transfer plans. 

Last updated July 23, 2026 

 Review the Transition Provisions section above if you will be in the U.S. with J-1 status on or before September 14, 2026. If you travel and re-enter the U.S. any time on or after September 15, 2026, please read the information below.

If you travel and re-enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 (even if you were inside the U.S. on September 14, 2026), you will be re-admitted to the U.S. with a date-specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on your I-94. Your AUD will generally be your DS-2019 end date plus a 30-day grace period, up to a maximum of 4 years. 

After each re-entry to the U.S., you should review your I-94 record to confirm that your entry information and Admit Until Date (AUD) are correct. 

You must also continue to follow all other travel guidelines that we provide on the international travel page of our website. 

last updated July 23, 2026