Important: These Rules Are Not Currently in Effect
The DHS final rule described on this page is not currently in effect. The rule was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, but a federal court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking its implementation.
The existing F-1 and J-1 regulations, including the Duration of Status (D/S) framework, remain in effect. The information on this page explains the final rule as published and the changes that could apply if the rule is later permitted to take effect. See the latest Current Status update.
J-1 Exchange Visitors and the New Fixed-Admission Rules
The elimination of Duration of Status applies to J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents as well as F-1 students.
Beginning with admissions under the new framework, J nonimmigrants will generally receive a specific Admit Until Date on Form I-94 rather than D/S. However, the new F-1 restrictions on majors, educational levels, and school transfers should not automatically be applied to J-1 exchange visitors. The Department of State's J Exchange Visitor Program rules continue to govern J program participation and transfers.
J-1 rules are not the same as F-1 rules
The new fixed-period-of-admission and Extension of Stay requirements apply to J nonimmigrants.
The new F-1 academic mobility rules, however, are specifically F-1 provisions. J-1 exchange visitors remain subject to the applicable Department of State Exchange Visitor Program regulations and their DS-2019 program requirements.
Contact IPO before assuming that an F-1 rule applies to your J-1 program.
Admit Until Date
A J-1 exchange visitor entering or reentering under the new framework will generally be admitted for the period of the exchange program shown on the DS-2019, not to exceed four years, plus the 30-day departure period.
J-2 dependents generally may not receive a period of admission extending beyond that of the J-1 principal.
J-1 transition rules
J-1 exchange visitors who:
- Were admitted for D/S before September 15, 2026,
- Are physically present in the United States in J status on September 15, and
- Are maintaining valid J status,
may initially remain under the transition provisions.
The transition period generally continues through the program end date on the DS-2019 valid on September 15, subject to the four-year transition maximum, plus the J-1 30-day departure period.
The latest possible transition end date for a qualifying J nonimmigrant is October 15, 2030. Most J-1 visitors will have an earlier date based on the DS-2019.
Extending a J-1 program
If additional time is permitted under the applicable Exchange Visitor Program rules, IPO may first extend or otherwise update the DS-2019 and SEVIS record.
If the additional program or activity extends beyond the J-1's authorized period of admission, the exchange visitor may also need to file an Extension of Stay with USCIS.
The J-1 EOS filing may require:
- A valid, updated Form DS-2019
- The USCIS-designated extension application, currently Form I-539
- The applicable filing fee
- Biometrics if required
- Other evidence required by USCIS
J-2 dependents may also need to be included in or separately file the appropriate extension request.
Academic Training
J-1 Academic Training remains governed by applicable Exchange Visitor Program requirements. However, if Academic Training extends beyond the J-1's current authorized period of admission, an Extension of Stay may also be required under the new DHS framework.
Contact IPO well before the end of the DS-2019 if Academic Training is being considered.
International travel
A J-1 exchange visitor covered by the transition rules who departs and reenters the United States on or after September 15 will generally receive a new Form I-94 with a fixed Admit Until Date and will move into the new fixed-admission framework.
Review your I-94 after every entry.
Contact IPO early
J-1 program extensions, transfers, academic training, category issues, and international travel can involve both Department of State Exchange Visitor Program rules and the new DHS admission rules.
Contact IPO before the end of your DS-2019 or before making changes to your exchange program.