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.
Transition Rules: Does This Apply to Me?
The new fixed-period-of-admission rules apply differently depending on when you entered the United States, what your Form I-94 says, and whether you are physically present in the United States when the new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.
Many F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who were admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S) before September 15, 2026 and who are physically present in the United States in valid F or J status on September 15 will initially be covered by special transition rules. These individuals do not need to obtain a new I-94 simply because the rule takes effect. However, the transition provisions are temporary and do not permanently “grandfather” anyone into the old D/S system.
First, check your Form I-94
If your most recent Form I-94 shows D/S as your Admit Until Date and you are physically present in the United States in valid F or J status on September 15, 2026, you may qualify for the transition provisions described below.
If you enter or reenter the United States on or after September 15, you will generally receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) instead of D/S and will be subject to the new fixed-admission framework.
If you are in the U.S. in D/S on September 15
You may initially remain under the transition provisions.
For an F-1 student, your transition period is generally based on the program end date shown on the Form I-20 that is valid on September 15, 2026, or the expiration date of your OPT/STEM OPT EAD if applicable, subject to a maximum of four years from September 15, 2026. The transition rules generally preserve the existing 60-day F-1 departure period.
For a J-1 exchange visitor, your transition period is generally based on the program end date shown on the Form DS-2019 that is valid on September 15, subject to a maximum of four years from September 15. J-1 exchange visitors retain the 30-day departure period.
The latest possible transition end dates are therefore:
- F nonimmigrants: November 14, 2030
- J nonimmigrants: October 15, 2030
Most students and exchange visitors will have an earlier date based on their actual program or employment end date.
If you enter or reenter on or after September 15
You will generally enter the new fixed-period-of-admission system.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue a Form I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) rather than D/S. The AUD will generally be based on the program end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed a four-year period of admission, plus the applicable 30-day departure period.
Once you have been admitted with a specific AUD, that date becomes critically important. If you later need additional time in the United States, you may need to obtain an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019 and apply for an Extension of Stay with USCIS.
Travel can end your transition protection
If you qualify for the transition provisions and then leave the United States and reenter on or after September 15, 2026, you will generally receive a new I-94 with a specific Admit Until Date. Once this happens, you are subject to the fixed-period-of-admission framework rather than the original D/S transition provisions.
This does not mean that students should avoid all international travel. It does mean that travel can have important immigration consequences. F-1 students or J-1 exchange visitors who are relying on transition provisions should speak with the International Programs Office before international travel if they have questions about how reentry may affect their status.
Receiving an Extension of Stay can also move you into the new system
A transition student or exchange visitor who needs additional time may be required to apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay. If USCIS approves the application, the approval will include a new fixed period of admission rather than D/S.
Transition status does not exempt you from all new rules
The transition provisions primarily govern your authorized period of stay. Other parts of the new rule, including F-1 academic mobility restrictions, may still affect decisions involving transfers, changes of major or educational level, and future programs.
Not sure which rules apply to you?
Your situation may depend on your most recent I-94, your current I-20 or DS-2019, your program end date, previous study in the United States, future academic plans, and international travel.
Contact the International Programs Office before making a major academic, immigration, or travel decision if you are unsure which framework applies to you.