New F-1 and J-1 Rules: Fixed Period of Admission

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published new regulations that were scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. The final rule would replace the longstanding Duration of Status (D/S) framework for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors with fixed periods of admission and would make several other significant changes affecting extensions of stay, F-1 transfers and changes of academic programs, post-completion grace periods, and other immigration requirements.

The rule is not currently in effect. On September 14, 2026, a federal court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking DHS from implementing the rule while litigation continues. The existing F-1 and J-1 regulations, including the Duration of Status framework, therefore remain in effect. The pages in this section explain the final rule as it was published so students and scholars can understand the changes that could occur if the rule is later permitted to take effect. Please see the Current Status section below for the latest information.

What would change under the final rule?

If the final rule is later permitted to take effect, it would make several important changes for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors:

• Fixed periods of admission would replace Duration of Status (D/S). Most F and J nonimmigrants who enter or reenter the United States on or after September 15, 2026 will be admitted for a specific period of time rather than for D/S.
• Your Form I-94 would include an Admit Until Date. This date will generally be based on the program end date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, subject to a maximum admission period of four years, plus the applicable departure period.
• You could be required to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay. If you need to remain in the United States beyond your Admit Until Date, you may be required to obtain an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019 and file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS.
• The F-1 grace period would be reduced from 60 days to 30 days for students under the new fixed-admission framework. Special transition rules preserve the 60-day grace period for some F-1 students who were admitted for D/S before the new rule takes effect.
• New restrictions would apply to F-1 academic changes and school transfers. These include limits on changing majors or educational levels, restrictions on transfers during certain periods of study, and restrictions on beginning another program at the same or a lower educational level after completing a program in the United States.
• The final rule includes special transition provisions. As published, these provisions were designed for certain students and exchange visitors already in the United States in D/S when the rule took effect. Because the September 15 implementation has been blocked, these transition provisions are not currently in effect and future implementation details may change.

Official Resources

The information on this website is intended to help Idaho State University F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors understand the new requirements. Because federal guidance may continue to develop, students should also consult the following government and professional resources for current information.

• SEVP / Study in the States: Final Rule Frequently Asked Questions
  Official guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) addressing implementation of the fixed-period-of-admission rule for F-1 students. SEVP guidance should be consulted as additional implementation questions are clarified.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
  Official USCIS information, forms, filing instructions, and requirements for Form I-539. Under the new rule, some F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who need additional time in the United States will be required to apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Form I-94
  Use the CBP I-94 website to retrieve your most recent Form I-94 and review your Admit Until Date (AUD). Students and exchange visitors should review their I-94 after each entry into the United States to ensure that their admission information is accurate. CBP confirms that the “Get Most Recent I-94/I-95” function provides the traveler’s most recent admission record.
• Federal Register: Final Rule
  The complete text of the Department of Homeland Security final rule, 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, published July 17, 2026 at 91 FR 44976. The published rule lists September 15, 2026 as its effective date.